Discovery Cup: Ojodu City clinches victory as tournament uncovers Nigerian talents for European football

The Discovery Cup U-19 Annual International Scouting Tournament, organised by Zero Sports Management, concluded on Monday after five days of competitive matches and intensive talent assessment at the Inspire Sports Academy Arena.

Held from December 11 to 15, 2025, the tournament brought together elite youth teams and international scouts, further reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a rich breeding ground for emerging football talents while creating direct pathways for young players to secure professional opportunities abroad.

Speaking at the end of the finals, the tournament convener, Dr. Oduwole Oluwaseyi, described the event as a strategic success in terms of both player development and international recruitment.

“The January window is a smaller window, but our focus is really the summer,” Dr. Oduwole said. “We are recruiting players now so we can begin marketing them ahead of the major transfer windows. That is the essence of this tournament. It was successful because our priority is identifying and scouting the next generation of football talent.”

He explained that the age categories were deliberately structured to ensure continuity and long-term planning.

According to him, players born in 2007 and 2008 featured this year, while next year’s edition will focus on those born in 2008 and 2009, in order to provide sustained exposure rather than one-off opportunities.

Beyond scouting players, Dr. Oduwole noted that the tournament also served as a developmental platform for coaches. He revealed that selected coaches took part in specialised courses designed to enhance tactical knowledge and professional standards.

“We are running coaching courses alongside the tournament to engage coaches tactically and help them develop better players. Scouting is not just about the players; it is about strengthening the entire football ecosystem,” he added.

Reflecting on tangible outcomes from previous editions, Dr. Oduwole pointed to concrete success stories. “From the last tournament, we secured about five trials, and some of those players have already signed professional contracts. We currently have two players in Serbia, one with OFK Belgrade and one with IMT. They are doing very well, and both are pushing to break into their first teams this summer. That is real progress,” he said.

On the depth of talent in Nigeria, Dr. Oduwole was emphatic but critical of systemic issues. “The talent pool in Nigeria is massive, but it needs to be tapped the right way. Age issues, poor coaching, and bad attitudes are major problems. Football is not just about what you do on the pitch; it’s also about how you conduct yourself off it. To be an elite player, you must be professional and well-behaved. You are a role model,” he said.

He further addressed the disparities in the National team and the Nigerian Football Federation. He said, “I think Nigerian football needs proper rehabilitation — the league, the system, and even the process of selecting leadership at the NFF. The right, experienced people need to be in charge,” Dr. Oduwole said.

International scouts in attendance echoed the positive assessment of the tournament. Dejan Veselinovic, a football scout and coach with OFK Belgrade in Serbia, praised both the organization and the quality of players on display. “This tournament was very good. We saw very good young players and very good football. Some of them are ready to play in Europe,” Veselinovic said.

He admitted that the level of play exceeded his expectations. “I was surprised. I expected a lower level, but they showed big talent and big opportunities for success. They want to learn, they want to work, and that is very important,” he said.

Advertisement

Speaking on African football more broadly, Veselinovic described the continent as the future of the global game.

He said, “African players have big potential. In my opinion, the future of football is in African players because they are very strong motorically. In the coming years, they will be leading players in their teams.” While noting that improvements in tactical understanding and technical refinement would further enhance their impact. “Their agility and physical qualities are already very strong. With more tactical work, they can dominate modern football.”

On the pitch, Ojodu City FC U19 emerged as champions, beating Seamoriow FC U19 on penalties to complete a remarkable turnaround after finishing as runners-up in the maiden edition of the tournament earlier this year.

Team captain Magaji Lookman Abdullahi said the victory was a reflection of growth and belief within the squad. “This is the second edition. We played the first one and ended as first runners-up. Now we are the winners. It was a good tournament with good opposition and quality teams,” he said.

Looking ahead, Abdullahi expressed confidence in the team’s ambitions. “Based on the quality of players we have, hopefully by God’s grace, Europe is the next step for us. I believe many of us will end our careers playing in Europe,” he added.

Head coach of Ojodu City FC, Ogunbanjo Olawale, attributed preparation and resilience to the team’s success. “It was a very tough tournament with quality teams. All the games were competitive, and we knew from the beginning it would not be easy,” he said. “We prepared ourselves and the boys, and they gave a very good account of themselves.”

Ali said the ultimate goal remains player progression beyond the local scene. “We work with them day in and day out, and by the special grace of God, we expect to see most of them playing professionally in different parts of the world,” he said.