The Ade Sports Management (ASM) Scouting Tournament has officially kicked off at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, featuring an impressive display of young football talent from across Nigeria.
The opening day set the tone for a highly competitive showcase, as pre-selected players were grouped into six teams and competed in a series of matches designed to test their abilities under pressure. Day one saw remarkable results, with over 31 players selected by scouts for further assessment, highlighting the depth of talent present at the event.
Director of the ASM Scouting Tournament, Ayodeji Adeniran, explained that the players were chosen through a carefully structured scouting network. “Players were pre-selected through coaches and scouts we partner with, either from our academy directly or affiliated academies across Abuja, Kaduna, Enugu, and other regions,” he said. “Some were recommended by trusted coaches who know them personally, while others were discovered by our scouts at local tournaments and showcases.”
Adeniran emphasized that the programme, themed "One Gem, One Talent," aims to uncover standout prospects while providing opportunities to a broader pool of emerging players. “Just one exceptional talent can justify a whole programme. We believe there are many promising players. With two more days to go, we expect to scout even more talents and give the selected boys additional chances to prove themselves. We’re grateful to God and pleased with the effort the players have shown.”
He noted that scouts are assessing a well-rounded combination of physical, technical, and mental qualities. “Football is a physical game, so height, speed, and strength matter,” Adeniran explained. “But movement on and off the ball, comfort with the ball at your feet, and the ability to think quickly are equally important. Scouts are watching how players process the game, make decisions, and react in crucial moments.”
Adeniran reaffirmed that the core objective of the organisers is to provide young talent with meaningful exposure that can propel their careers to the next level. “Our goal is to identify promising players and, by God’s grace, expose them internationally—whether in Africa, Europe, or North America. We want to help them chase their dreams by giving them opportunities in environments where football is played at the highest level.”
The tournament will continue on Wednesday and Thursday, with scouts monitoring more matches as the search for Nigeria’s next football stars intensifies.
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