A group of four boys and four girls from Nigeria has been chosen to join the LALIGA Experience in Madrid after the recent conclusion of the LALIGA EA NEXT Gen Draft Nigeria. This grassroots football initiative seeks to identify and empower young talents.
The selected athletes were chosen from a total of 168 boys and girls who participated in the local phase of the program that took place in Lagos.
This global campaign spans across five nations: Nigeria, Morocco, Mexico, China, and Japan. Only eight players, comprised of four boys and four girls, will be awarded the opportunity to travel to Spain in May. They will train, compete, and immerse themselves in elite football development.
The female athletes chosen include Tosin Eguono Rafiu from FC Robo Queens, Amaka Perpetual Ibegbu from Cats Ladies, Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf also from FC Robo Queens, and Sanni Kehinde Aishat from Dream Stars. The male representatives are Samuel Edem Okon of Seamoriow, Joseph Oloko from Seamoriow, and Mavlon FC players Ijachi Ogar Timothy and Idris Noah.
The Next Gen Draft represents a collaborative effort by LALIGA and EA Sports, with support from Legacy Sports, the Nationwide League One (NLO), and the Lagos State Football Association. It aims to provide a community-focused platform that unites young players from diverse backgrounds while offering them an avenue to exhibit their talents on an international scale.
During the event, Mr. Philip Diwan, President of Legacy Sports, emphasized the significance of providing young Nigerian players with visibility and support at the grassroots level. He remarked, “This is the first time we are witnessing a major league come into Nigeria to engage in such activities at this level. LALIGA and EA SPORTS deserve commendation for creating this platform, instilling hope among young players.”
Officials from LALIGA clarified that the draft does not merely serve as a traditional trial; rather, it provides players with valuable exposure and insights, allowing them to be evaluated over numerous sessions. The scouting process was thorough and systematic, assessing players based on their technical skills, tactical understanding, athletic qualities, and mindset, thereby focusing on their long-term potential instead of immediate performance metrics.
A LALIGA representative noted, “We are not seeking finished talents. Our focus is on growth potential, decision-making, grasp of the game, and eagerness to improve. These players are quite young, and developmental progress varies.”
Nigeria was selected among the participating countries for the 2026 edition of the Next Gen Draft due to its rich football heritage, sizable youth demographic, and reputation as a talent reservoir. The initiative garnered participation from teams across various communities, including clubs from Lagos and regions like Kano, emphasizing its dedication to community engagement.
Desmond Chiji, LALIGA’s representative for Nigeria and Ghana, remarked on the league’s enduring commitment to fostering youth development across Africa. “This focus is on the youth. It is a dedication to the next generation. In the short term, we want to demonstrate that LALIGA is genuinely invested in building football here. Long-term, it is about establishing avenues for talent and uplifting young players who might not encounter such opportunities otherwise.”
The Nationwide League One played a crucial role in facilitating this initiative. Its Chief Operating Officer, Olusola Ogunlowo, indicated that the NLO contributed clubs and player information to ensure an equitable selection process. He highlighted that participation in the draft was complimentary, with all expenses covered by LALIGA, EA Sports, and Legacy Sports.
Mr. Ogunlowo stated, “No club incurred expenses to be part of this project. The selected four boys and four girls will be completely sponsored to Spain, where they will interact with other top talents from Morocco, China, and Mexico, engage in friendly matches, and gain exposure to LALIGA academies.”
In Spain, these young athletes will partake in the LALIGA Experience in Madrid, involving training sessions, matches against youth academy teams, and exposure to European football culture. Invitations will be sent to all LALIGA clubs to observe the program, paving the way for future opportunities.
For these eight players, their journey is just commencing. However, organizers believe the overarching aim extends beyond those heading to Spain. “Even for those not selected, this experience holds significant value. It is about education, teamwork, and understanding the journey of growth in football,” an official stated.
As the global Next Gen Draft unfolds in various nations, Nigeria’s eight chosen players now symbolize the aspirations of a program founded on opportunity, inclusivity, and the conviction that talent, when afforded the appropriate platform, can transcend local realms.
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