By Tobias Lengnan
Abuja, Aug. 14, 2026 – No fewer than 50 young footballers will showcase their talents at the ABT Football Academy scouting programme scheduled for Aug. 17 to Aug. 23 in Kwoi, Kaduna.
The week-long programme will provide players aged 16 to 20 an opportunity to attract professional attention and pursue pathways to clubs in Nigeria and abroad.
Alhamdu Bala Gyet, President of ABT Football Academy, told newsmen on Friday that the programme was designed to discover promising grassroots football talents.
He said the academy would provide talented youngsters with opportunities to pursue professional careers and compete in top football leagues worldwide.
Bala said the programme was strictly for players aged 16 to 20, describing the age bracket as crucial for early talent identification.
According to him, participants would receive professional assessment, guidance, and possible pathways to clubs abroad.
“Age 16 to 20 is a critical period in football development, and we want to identify players early enough to support their growth,” Bala said.
He said players would be assessed by Marcelo Houseman, a renowned Argentine international scout, alongside Alhamdu Fumom, Manager of ABT Football Academy.
“Marcelo brings extensive international scouting experience, and his presence gives our young players an opportunity to be assessed against global standards,” he said.
Bala said Houseman was a FIFA-licensed scout credited with discovering players, including Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo, Obinna Nsofor, Solomon Okoronkwo and Christian Ebere.
He added that Houseman had also contributed to the careers of several African talents, including South African football greats Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo, John Moshoeu and Philemon Masinga.
“He recently secured the signature of Ghana’s highly rated 18-year-old prospect, Kelvin Nhrumah,” he said.
Bala said the scout would assess players based on technical ability, tactical awareness, athleticism, discipline, character and overall potential.
“Football is not only about skills. We are looking for players with discipline, intelligence, determination, and the character required to succeed professionally,” Bala said.
He explained that selected players would have opportunities to play for some LaLiga clubs in Spain.
“All positions, all talents, and equal opportunities are our priorities. We want real futures for these young players,” Bala said.
He urged interested players to seize the opportunity, describing the programme as a platform for youngsters aspiring to become professional footballers.
“Be scouted, be discovered, and be the next star. This is an opportunity for young talents to take the first major step,” he said.