No fewer than 168 promising younger footballers, aged between 13 and 15, participated within the second section of the Subsequent Gen Drafts held on the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Lagos, as a part of the EA SPORTS FC FUTURES grassroots initiative.
The programme, designed to mix competitors, structured teaching and life-changing alternatives, introduced collectively girls and boys from numerous backgrounds to showcase their skills in a professionally structured atmosphere.
Individuals competed in high-intensity 5-a-side Rush matches impressed by the EA SPORTS FC 26 online game, earlier than progressing right into a tailor-made improvement pathway.
This included personalised teaching classes delivered by LALIGA UEFA Professional-licensed coaches, specializing in technical enchancment, self-discipline, teamwork and character improvement.
The programme culminated in an 11-a-side match towards a neighborhood workforce, offering selectors with the chance to evaluate standout gamers beneath full match situations.
On the finish of the occasion, eight distinctive gamers — 4 boys and 4 women — had been chosen to attend an unique LALIGA coaching camp in Madrid, Spain. The choice was primarily based not solely on footballing potential, but additionally on values comparable to dedication, effort, self-discipline and teamwork.
The chosen boys are Samuel Okon, Timothy Ijachi, Idris Noah and Joseph Uloko, whereas the women are Tosin Rafiu, Amaka Ibegbu, Rodiat Yusuf and Sanni Aishat.
Talking on the influence of the initiative, Africa Managing Director, Tresor Penku, described the Nigerian version as a strong instance of soccer’s potential to create alternatives and drive social influence.
“The occasion in Nigeria demonstrated how soccer can create significant alternatives for younger individuals and their communities throughout Africa,” Penku stated.
“Via the Subsequent Gen Drafts and our partnership with EA SPORTS FC, we’re not solely figuring out gifted gamers but additionally offering elite coaching, values-based training and transformative experiences.
“Nigeria has proven distinctive ardour, high quality and dedication, underlining the significance of sustained funding in grassroots soccer as a catalyst for long-term improvement throughout Africa.”
The Subsequent Gen Drafts programme will proceed its world rollout with upcoming editions in Japan (March 13–15), Morocco (March 27–29) and China (April 17–19), following the identical format utilized in Mexico and Nigeria.
At every cease, eight chosen gamers will journey to Spain on an all-expenses-paid journey, becoming a member of a remaining worldwide group of 32 younger skills — eight drawn from every host nation — for superior coaching beneath the LALIGA improvement framework.
