The event blended competitive action with structured development, offering participants from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to showcase their abilities while receiving professional guidance. The programme is designed to combine football training, character development and life-changing experiences for emerging talents.
Players competed in fast-paced 5v5 Rush matches inspired by the EA SPORTS FC 26 video game format, before progressing through a tailored development pathway. The sessions were supervised by LALIGA UEFA Pro-licensed coaches, who provided personalised training and mentorship throughout the weekend.
The showcase concluded with a full 11-a-side match against a local team, allowing the standout players to demonstrate their growth and tactical understanding in a traditional match setting.
At the end of the competition, four boys and four girls were selected to attend an elite training camp with LALIGA in Madrid, Spain. The selection process was based not only on footballing ability but also on the players’ demonstration of core values such as commitment, solidarity and effort.
The selected boys are Samuel Okon, Timothy Ijachi, Idris Noah and Joseph Uloko, while Tosin Rafiu, Amaka Ibegbu, Rodiat Yusuf and Sanni Aishat earned spots in the girls’ category.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Africa Managing Director Tresor Penku highlighted the broader significance of the programme.
“The event in Nigeria showcased how football can create significant opportunities for youth and communities throughout Africa. With the Next Gen Drafts and our partnership with EA SPORTS FC, we’re not only discovering talented players but also offering them elite training, values-based education, and transformative experiences,” Penku said.
“Nigeria has displayed remarkable passion, quality, and commitment, reinforcing the importance of continuing to invest in grassroots football as a driver of social impact and long-term development across the continent,” he added.
The Nigeria stage follows the inaugural phase held in Mexico. Upcoming editions of the programme are scheduled for Japan (March 13–15), Morocco (March 27–29) and China (April 17–19), each adopting the same format.
From each location, eight selected players will travel to Spain on an all-expenses-paid trip, forming an international group of 32 young talents who will train together in Madrid under LALIGA’s development framework.