Sports
Tottenham, Cambridge United Scouts Visit Nigeria to Boost Football Development
Head Consultant of Abzchain Resources Football Club of Abuja Francis Okooboh, has reaffirmed commitment to developing grassroots football talents in Nigeria, leveraging new partnerships with top European football Clubs.
Okooboh stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday, when scouts from Tottenham Hotspur FC and Cambridge United FC visited.
He described the occasion as “a rare opportunity” for young Nigerian footballers to be assessed directly by professional club scouts from Europe.
“We are thrilled to be here today, thanks to our strong network and connections with top club scouts from Tottenham FC, a Premier League team, and Cambridge United Football Club, a League Two side in England.
“Our goal is to leverage this opportunity and take our football endeavours to the next level,” he said.
Okooboh said it’s a rare opportunity to access such high-level scouts in the country.
“ Our goal is to leverage this opportunity and take our football endeavors to the next level,” he said.
Okooboh explained that Abzchain Resources FC focuses on developing players through comprehensive technical, tactical, and physical training, while also guiding parents on realistic career pathways for their children.
“The company has had success with players studying and playing professional football abroad, “he said.
He emphasised the importance of honesty and merit-based selection in Nigeria’s football system, lamenting that too often, opportunities are granted based on connections rather than talent.
“Nigeria has talented players, but the system needs improvement. We need to be honest about our strengths, weaknesses and provide opportunities based on talent, not connections.
“Professionals abroad evaluate players based on ability, not background or wealth. If we adopt that approach, Nigeria will experience significant progress,” he said,”he said.
Okooboh reiterated Abzchain’s vision of nurturing young Nigerian footballers to compete globally while strengthening the local football ecosystem in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“We are proud to be registered with the NFF and to have had our players called up to the national U-15 team.
“Together, we can build a more honest, merit-based, and successful football future for Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, Ryan Hervel, ex-professional footballer and coach with Tottenham Hotspur FC, expressed excitement about discovering Nigerian talents.
“We are drawn to Nigeria’s natural creativity and flair, exemplified by players like Jay-Jay Okocha.
“We believe Nigerian players deserve the same opportunities as those in Europe, and we are here to provide that platform,” he said.
Similarly, Emmanuel N’daw, a former professional player and current coach and scout at Cambridge United FC, shared his enthusiasm for partnering with Abzchain Resources.
“I met Okooboh through Marvin, and I’m excited to see the talent here in Nigeria.
“ We are open to players aged 12 to 19, focusing on potential rather than age. Our goal is to identify top talent and provide them with opportunities to succeed,” he said.
Other officials present at the event included Ene Egbe, Head of Administration and Isa Muhammed , Assistant Coach and Fitness Trainer.
The conference also marked the kickoff of a football scouting tournament featuring 14 teams, including:Abzchain Resource FA, Blinks FA, Defence Strikers FC, Ramsaky FC, Camplex FC, Zealified FA, E and R Fashion FA.
Others are Dream Stars FC, Otisco FC, Access FA, Faith Family Academy Junior, Faith Family Academy Senior, Sarkin Daji FA, and Rose FA.
The opening match saw Abzchain Resource FA face Blinks FA as the tournament commenced immediately after the press event.
NAN
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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