By STELLA KABRUK

Kaduna, Oct.13, 2026 (NAN) Ikon Allah Football Academy, a kaduna-based grassroots football development centre said it’s preparing another scouting tournament in Abuja to expose emerging talents to European clubs.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the academy produced Nigerian youngster, Zadok Yohanna, now playing for European club Brighton FC.

The academy’s president, Ayi Mohammed, made this known in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Mohammed said the competition would bring together promising young footballers and scouts from Europe and other countries.

Mohammed said the academy had sustained its talent-discovery programme over the years, organising competitions four times annually to identify and develop players capable of progressing to professional football.

He said preparations were underway for the forthcoming tournament, with the academy concentrating on keeping its players physically fit and mentally prepared for the competition.

“We used to do this competition four times a year. We have different batches, and we invite scouts from Europe and several other countries,” Mohammed said.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would produce more players capable of following the path of Yohanna, whose rise from grassroots football in kaduna to European football has drawn attention to the academy’s talent-development programme.

“Yohanna joined Swedish club AIK in 2025 after attracting attention for his performances and subsequently secured a move to English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2026.

“His progression has become a reference point for the academy as it seeks to provide more young Nigerians with opportunities to pursue professional careers abroad.”

Mohammed said he was optimistic about the academy’s prospects, citing its continued engagement with international football stakeholders.

He also said that more than 50 players developed through the academy had secured opportunities in Europe over the years.

“Beyond the upcoming competition, the academy is working towards completing its own training pitch, which I expect to be ready by December.

He said the facility would strengthen the academy’s operations and provide a more suitable environment for training and developing young footballers.

According to him, the planned infrastructure development comes as the academy seeks to consolidate its grassroots football programme and expand opportunities for players to progress beyond local competitions. (NAN)