Sports

NFF Inaugurates 3-Man Task Force For Age-Grade National Teams

Published

2 years ago

October 20, 2022

By Joel Ajayi

In its effort to ensure Nigeria’s age grade national team which includes, U23, U20 and U17 excel ahead of different international competitions, the Nigeria Football Federation NFF inaugurated the three-man task force whose primary duty is to advise the federation on the successful preparations of three national teams.

The inauguration became necessary as the U23 Men’s national team will on this weekend trade tackles with their Tanzania counterparts in the 2023 CAF African Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifier as other 2 National teams also have crucial engagements.

Speaking during the inauguration on Thursday at NFF head office in Abuja, the President of the federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau outlined the responsibility for the task force, he urged them to discharge their duty to bring the desired changes in the national teams.

According to him, the task force included Aminu Balele Kurfi, Chairman of FCT Football Association, Abba Mouktar Mohammed and Sports Marketing guru, Hon. Bukola Olopade.

While outlined the responsibility for the task force, NFF boss said, the task force will advise NFF Board on the way we are going to have proper preparation for the teams as well as to seek the public and private sector to ensure we give maximum support to these teams for them to succeed in their different engagements.

“They are to advise the NFF board on the way forward on preparation as well as the main tournament for these three of age grade national teams which is U23, for qualifiers to the all Africa games and Olympic for them to qualify and their participation.

“Our under 17 have already qualified for the nations cup and world cup, while qualifying games are coming up for the U20 team.”

He said that Balele will be the Chairman while Bukola Olopade becomes the Vice-Chairman and Mouktar Mohammed, Member of the task force.

In his remark, the Chairman of the Task Force, Aminu Kurfi Balele assured Nigerians that the task force will do its best.

He admitted that the task ahead is enormous but believed that it is achievable with support from Nigerians, especially the media to execute the task successfully.

“The assignment given to us is huge. To prepare the national teams for successful tournaments is not an easy task, we will do everything in making sure that all the teams do well.”

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Sports

The Next Messi or Ronaldo Will Come from Africa -Founder of Next Level Scouting

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

One of the world’s top scouting agents and the founder of Next Level Scouting, Jouko Gorissen, has expressed confidence that the next football superstar comparable to Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo will emerge from Africa, particularly Nigeria, given the immense talent present in the country.

The event, organized in partnership with USYAK Academy, has attracted over 10 scouts from across the globe, all keen on identifying future football stars.

Speaking at the ongoing Next Level Scouting 2025 event inside the turf Arena pitch Central Business Area on Friday, in Abuja, Nigeria, Jouko Gorissen emphasized the importance of discovering and nurturing young players with exceptional potential.

The Next Level Scouting programme has brought together over 300 young players from 16 academies across Nigeria, with successful players set to secure opportunities in top footballing nations such as Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands.

“We have 10 scouts on the ground and another 198 scouts worldwide watching the games online. There are 16 teams competing for professional contracts, and opportunities are not limited to Europe alone.

“Clubs from Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, America, Brazil, Egypt, South Africa, and even Australia are watching right now.”

He praised Nigerian players for their distinct style of play, saying: Nigerian players are known for high-paced, high-intensity, strong, and technical football.

“We’ve already spotted a few players in the first game who seem ready to take the next step.”
Gorissen expressed optimism about Africa’s football future: “Studies suggest that the next Messi or Ronaldo will come from Africa. This is what we hope to see here.

“Our job is to find the right clubs where these players can develop and progress to the next level.”

In his remarks, Usman Alfa, Chairman of USYAK Academy and Team Manager of Niger Tornadoes FC, emphasized the dual purpose of scouting-talent discovery and financial investment.
“Our goal is to discover talents and generate revenue because football is both a passion and a business.

“We have 16 academies participating, giving young players a platform to showcase their skills.
“Each team will play two matches, and the best talents will be selected to advance in their football careers.”

The Next Level Scouting 2025 event is set to be a game-changer for Nigerian football, offering young players a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be scouted by top clubs worldwide. With extensive global interest and investment in African football, the dream of producing the next football icon from the continent is closer than ever.

However, the Chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, who was the special guest of honour kick off the event inside Turf Arena central Area of Nigeria.

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