FPLI: Scouting Exercise Ends With Promise for Nigerian Football

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The 2025 edition of the Future Pro League International (FPLI) Scouting and Screening Exercise concluded in Abuja on Saturday in an atmosphere of excitement, optimism, and discovery — marking the end of four days of intense football activit.

Organised by Future Pro League International (FPLI) in partnership with Zalen Sports International (ZSI) and Samsunspor of Turkey, the event, which ran from Wednesday to Saturday, attracted dozens of young players from across Nigeria eager to showcase their skills before top scouts and football development executives.

Among the dignitaries who graced the exercise were Mr. Clifford Ikwang, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of FPLI; Mr. Oğuzhan Türk, Chief Scout (Africa) of Turkish topflight club Samsunspor; and Mr. Sunny Pekos Andrew, Scout (Africa) of Samsunspor. Also present was Mrs. Ogoza Anne Ugye, Chief Executive Officer of Zalen Sports International, a key partner in the initiative.

Speaking after the closing session, FPLI CEO Mr. Clifford Ikwang expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the four-day scouting programme, describing it as a landmark in the mission to bridge Nigerian grassroots football with global opportunities.

“I’m very happy, though I believe I’ve not fully grasped what we’ve achieved yet because I’m still in it,” Ikwang said. “But when I look back in the coming days, I’ll be even happier. We’ve seen some exceptional talents — one of them, a striker, has the qualities of the next Victor Osimhen.”

 

Ikwang hailed the partnership with Zalen Sports International and Samsunspor as a “perfect match of vision and purpose,” noting that both organisations share the same passion for grassroots development and talent exportation.

He further disclosed that FPLI intends to replicate the Abuja event in other states and, eventually, across Africa.

“By the grace of God, we’ll take this programme to different states and even other African countries,” he said. “We’ve discovered real gems here.”

For Mrs. Ogoza Anne Ugye, CEO of Zalen Sports International, the collaboration with FPLI and Samsunspor represents a milestone in structured scouting and talent development.

“It was a fantastic first outing,” she said. “We had outstanding players, and even our junior team impressed the scouts. On a scale of 100, I would rate this 95% — a huge success for a first edition.”

Ugye revealed that Zalen Sports, which owns Zalen Football Club, will continue to train the identified players, even those not immediately selected for international opportunities.

“We’ll camp them periodically for intensive sessions while liaising with their clubs and coaches to guide their progress,” she added.

The visiting chief scout for Samsunspor, Mr. Oğuzhan Türk, also commended the organisation of the event and the quality of players he observed during the exercise.

“They did a great job before I arrived. I only needed to watch two or three games to identify the best players,” he said. “I saw several promising talents, but they must prepare well — the fitness level and competition in Turkey are very high.”

Türk acknowledged Nigeria’s proud history of producing top players who have excelled in Turkey, mentioning legends such as Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and Uche Okechukwu, as well as modern stars like Paul Onuachu and Victor Osimhen.

“Nigeria has always had great players, and I’m sure we’ll see more in the Turkish Super Lig soon,” he added. “I’m impressed with the organisation and the hospitality. I’ll definitely be back.”

The event was not only about scouting but also about learning, exposure, and growth.

One of the standout participants, Sheriff Fatai Stowe, described the experience as “exciting and life-changing.”

“The intensity was high, and I learned so much — especially about movement with and without the ball,” he said. “The scouts were clear about what they wanted. I’m grateful to be part of it.”

Another participant, Amodu Unite, shared similar sentiments.

“I gained a lot of experience. The scouts gave personal advice — one told me to work more on my technique and ball control,” he said. “It was a privilege to learn directly from them.”

The 2025 FPLI International Scouting Exercise symbolises a new chapter in the pursuit of structured football development in Nigeria and across Africa.

Through partnerships like that of FPLI, Zalen Sports International, and Samsunspor, grassroots players now have a clear pathway from local pitches to international platforms.