Lagos — The Pepsi Football Academy may have began in earnest the search for next generation of national Under-17 players for the Golden Eaglets, to represent Nigeria in Mexico 2011 with under 13 - 15 years competition among all the centres of the Academy in Nigeria.

Tagged the Pepsi Festival of Youth, the competition is aimed at giving the Pepsi lads the opportunity to showcase their skills among their peers. The competition which is an annual event will run from Thursday November 26-28, 2009 according to Dr. Kasimawo Laloko, Director of Pepsi Football Academy and will hold at The Football College, Orile-Imo near Abeokuta.

Commenting on the competition, Mr. Iain Nelson, Consultant to the Pepsi Football Academy said, "With the age controversy which almost took the shine from the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria, it is important we begin to cultivate a crop of young talented players whose ages will not be in doubt to represent Nigeria in future competitions.

Pepsi Academy provides a reliable platform for the Nigerian football authorities to rest once and for all the issue of age cheating in age-grade competitions."

Pepsi Football Academy have produced such youngsters as John Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie, Onyekachi Apam, Joseph Akpala, etc all Super Eagles Players.