Athletic FC Lagos, PI FC Announces Scouting Project for Nigerian Footballers

Athletic Football Club Lagos and PI Football Club have announced an innovative scouting tournament project, attracting European football investors to Nigeria.

The partnership aims to identify promising footballers who could secure professional contracts in Europe, with a focus on countries like Brazil, Spain, and Finland.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos recently, Chairman and Founder of Athletic Football Club, Salvation Alibor, revealed plans to kickstart this initiative with an inaugural event on March 4th-5th, 2024, at the National Stadium Surulere.

According to him, the tournament’s objective is to spotlight hidden talents destined for international contracts, underlining their commitment to grassroots development.

He stressed the significance of providing a platform for young players to showcase their abilities and receive elite training from seasoned coaches.

This venture, he affirmed, is a social enterprise geared towards empowering aspiring footballers to realize their full potential.

Highlighting the amalgamation of Athletic FC and PI FC, Alibor explained the synergy between both entities, serving the common purpose of talent development.

According to him, “While PI FC focuses on nurturing talent within the church community, Athletic FC extends its reach to talented youths across Nigeria, including those from rural areas. The collaboration brings together professional coaches, including a former Nigerian Premier League player and a European-licensed coach, to mentor and refine players’ skills.”

Looking ahead, Alibor outlined plans to elevate the program by inviting European experts for intensive training sessions and organizing quarterly talent showcases.

For the Head Coach, Joel Agwaife, who underscored the club’s recent success and its ambitious goals for the future, said the club is on the right path of developing players.

He emphasized the importance of meticulous player selection and training methodologies aligned with European standards, aiming to equip players with the tools necessary for international success.

“Through a blend of rigorous training, cutting-edge facilities, and competitive matches, the clubs aspire to foster talent while instilling values of sportsmanship and personal development. Their ultimate goal is to leave an indelible mark on Nigerian football by nurturing the next generation of football stars and contributing to a brighter future for the sport in the country,” he said.