By Jimoh Bashir
Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club just concluded its nationwide Players’ Talent Hunt and Development Programme in Ilorin, which was the North Central exercise in its search for the next generation of soccer stars in football.
The initiative, which is being executed by one of the best privately managed football clubs in Nigeria, in conjunction with its international partners is a deliberate attempt to change the narratives in talent discovery, talent grooming, talent management and marketing, especially in the ever-growing entertainment and business platform, being offered by football.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club is synonymous with the discovery and grooming of young talents, and the introduction of the comprehensive preliminary search for talents in the nooks and crannies of the nation is a vindication of that believe, which the club has continued to guard jealously.
Going down memory lane, the club won the maiden edition of the NPFL/LaLiga U-15 Promises competition in 2017, and virtually all the players from that class of discovery are making waves in different leagues, both at home and abroad.
Beyond regional or sectional consideration, ABS FC Players’ Talent Hunt and Development initiative was all encompassing, with a well defined tactical and technical criteria for determining potential talents, a well laid root for grooming and preparing the talents so discovered for the next level, offering young and talented players a credible launchpad to stardom.
Just like the Director of Football, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka said, “we don’t do any other business at ABS FC apart from footballing “, as.he described the talent hunt system as overwhelming, owing practically to the fact that its all encompassing.
“We have good organisation in place, and sound technical managers who are monitoring the processes, as we are picking players for three aspects; the NNL participation, where we are targeting to have 35 players, the U-19 Youth League and the PTDP programme, where we are targeting 30 players each, making it 95 altogether.
“The PTDP initiative is an annual programme, and we hope to conclude this year’s programme with camping in Offa, for the 30 players going to Europe. We are adhering to our structure, the well laid structure that supports good football, development and growth of the youth in the game. This is the structure that has continued to open doors for willing and talented youth in the business”, Chief Chukwuemeka concluded.
The PTDP exercise is being executed with thorough consultancy services from the one of the notable Talent Hunter in the nation, Shogo Shodunnke of Phreestyle Sport.
While analysing the processes after the nationwide scouting, Shodunnke, who is the Organiser of the annual AMAPRO Football tournament gave insight into the major criteria that players are expected to possess, ahead of the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of the transfer processes, while highlighted the numerous challenges being faced in the discovery and transfer of African players to world football market, even as he called for adequate collaboration among parties in the trade to ease the challenges.
“Our dedication to football scouting (talent identification) is crucial for discovering talents capable of playing at the highest level.
“While a football player must meet many requirements in terms of tactics, technique, positioning, and quality, the highest priority is having the right mentality and readiness to face challenges on their path to greatness.
“I am aware that many factors hinder African players from advancing to the next level, all of which are artificial problems (self-made).
“Social, infrastructure, environmental, economic, and technical know-how issues are some of these artificial problems we can address, but transferring a player with a complicated history is our biggest challenge, which is particularly common among us.
“Most clubs in Europe and other parts of the world are very cautious when working with African players due to complications from their current club, previous club, grassroots club, and third parties.
“My scouting journey has taken me to many places, introduced me to different people, and opened my eyes to numerous opportunities, challenges, and various clubs with diverse perspectives on African players.
“Understanding our football market, club specifications, and talent attributes (weaknesses and strengths) has aligned our goals with European clubs and facilitated our involvement in player transfers both locally and internationally.
“I am presently on another significant scouting journey in Nigeria, working as a Consultant for one of the largest scouting projects (Players’ Talent Development Program organized by ABS FC) in Nigeria, covering the six geopolitical zones of the country.
“It is evident that Nigeria and Africa are rich in talent, but working with the right team will undoubtedly expand the transition of our players from the grassroots to the professional level”, he had said.
Altogether, a total of 107 players were selected from the various zones, showcasing the rich football talent pool in the country. The programme kicked off on July 26th in Kaduna, traversed the six geo-political zones, making stops in Bauchi, Calabar, Owerri, Ado-Ekiti, and finally Ilorin.
The players are expected to proceed to the final phase of the screening, scheduled to take place in Offa, Kwara State, where the final 95 players will be chosen for the PTDP programme, the U19 team as well as ABS FC National League team.
In Kaduna, the state government commended Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club for assisting the development of football at the grassroots nationwide, through the Players Talent Hunt and Development Programme.
The Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Sports Development, Alhaji Muktar Abdullahi hailed the Programme as “an important event”.
“Sports is no doubt, a unifying factor and major element of human capital development, which is why our state will always support any programme aimed at assisting the growth and development of the youth.
“With sports, our youth will be meaningfully engaged. Asides supporting sports participation, we are also taking care of the facilities, as you can see that this famous facility, the ABS Stadium is wearing a new look”, he averred.
ABS FC Coordinator, Jimoh Bashir expressed excitement with the outcome of the talent hunt following a successful conclusion, He emphasized that the club is committed to developing and nurturing young talents, and this programme is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
The Nationwide Talent Hunt demonstrates ABS FC’s dedication to grassroots football development and its commitment to providing opportunities for young players to showcase their skills. By traversing the country and engaging with local communities, the programme has helped identify hidden talents and provided a platform for them to shine.
The Deputy Director of Facility and Technical, who is also the Stadium Manager of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, Samaila Usman expressed his utmost admiration for the ABS/PTDP Talent Hunt, describing the initiative as a critical component of a successful sports development.
“This program is a shining example of how to nurture young talent; by providing a platform for youth to showcase their skills.
“I am thrilled to see such a well-organized and well-executed initiative.” Usman Samaila said.
Usman commended the program, stating, “This is the roadmap of any successful sports development. it’s a very good initiative giving the youth the opportunity to showcase their talents for the future.
“I am very impressed and happy with the organization of the program, the people involved, and everyone who has contributed to its success.
The Head of Technical for the ABS FC Player Talent Development Program (PTDP), Coach Yusuf Salihu expressed satisfaction with the exceptional talents scouted so far in the nationwide talent hunt.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the incredible talents we have discovered so far”, he said.
“We’ve seen some exceptional young players who have impressed us with their skills, techniques, and dedication. It’s clear that Nigeria is blessed with abundance of football talents, and it’s our duty to nurture and guide them to reach their full potentials.”
Coach Salihu added: “The ABS FC PTDP Talent Hunt has been a revelation, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. We’re not just looking for players who can kick a ball; we’re searching for talented youngsters who have the passion, the drive, and the determination to succeed at the highest level. And I’m pleased to say that we’ve found some real gems so far.”
Mrs. Funmilayo Owolabi, Secretary of ABS Ilorin FC also expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm and coordination displayed at all the centres, stating, “I am thoroughly impressed with the enthusiasm and coordination displayed.
“The talent hunt is incredible, and I have no doubt that we will discover some of Nigeria’s future football stars from this pool.
The Chairman of ABS FC, Seni Saraki described the PTDP programme as a “well planned initiative aimed at fishing out the right talents with exceptional skills”, as he commended the credibility of the execution of the initiative.
After the conclusion of the nationwide selections, the Proprietor of Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC), Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki expressed his excitement and delight at the successful conclusion of the exercise.
In an official statement posted on his social media platforms, Senator Saraki hailed the club’s management for their vision and organisations. He also expressed excitement towards the future that beckons for Nigeria football.
“I’m thrilled with the success of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club Nationwide Scouting Programme, which took place from 25th July to 11th August 2024.”
“It’s fantastic to see such dedication to nurturing young football talents across Nigeria. Kudos to the board and management for their vision and commitment.”
“I am excited about the future of Nigerian football and the development of more young footballers. Keep up the great work!”
“#WeAreABSFC”, he wrote.
The ABS/PTDP Nationwide Talent Hunt was a groundbreaking initiative that brought together talented young footballers from across Nigeria, holding great promise for the future of football in Nigeria.
Senator Saraki has been investing in the building of Nigeria youths through football and empowerment. Its on record that he established Kwara Football Academy way back in 2005, from where numerous youth have graduated in both academic and footballing excellence.
