Four males and four females from Nigeria have been chosen to participate in the LALIGA Experience in Madrid following the completion of the LALIGA EA NEXT Gen Draft Nigeria, a grassroots football project aiming to find and empower young talents. The selected players come from a pool of 168 boys and girls who competed in the Nigerian portion of the program, which was conducted in Lagos.
The global effort encompasses five countries: Nigeria, Morocco, Mexico, China, and Japan. Only eight youngsters from each of these countries—four boys and four girls—will come to Spain in May to practice, compete, and experience elite football development conditions.
The Nigerian females chosen are Tosin Eguono Rafiu of FC Robo Queens, Amaka Perpetual Ibegbu of Cats Ladies, Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf of FC Robo Queens, and Sanni Kehinde Aishat of Dream Stars.
The guys are Seamoriow's Samuel Edem Okon, Joseph Oloko, and Ijachi Ogar Timothy, and Idris Noah from Mavlon FC.
The Next Gen Draft is a collaborative effort between LALIGA and EA SPORTS, with backing from Legacy Sports, the Nationwide League One (NLO), and the Lagos State Football Association.
It is designed as a community-driven enterprise, bringing together young players from all parts of Nigeria and providing them with a clear path to display their talent on a global scale.
Mr Philip Diwan, President of Legacy Sports, spoke at the ceremony, describing the scheme as a unique platform for young Nigerian players to be noticed and encouraged at the grassroots level.
"This is the first time we are seeing a major league come into Nigeria to do something like this at the grassroots," added the coach. "Other leagues rarely get this close.
LALIGA and EA SPORTS deserve praise for developing this platform and giving these young players a chance to shine.
Officials from LALIGA emphasized that the draft was not a trial in the traditional sense but rather an opportunity for players to gain exposure, acquire new ideas, and be evaluated across multiple sessions.
They described the scouting method as rigorous and disciplined, covering technical ability, tactical understanding, physical traits, and attitude, with a focus on long-term potential rather than short-term performance.
"We are not looking for finished players," an LALIGA official explained. "We are looking at development potential, decision-making, game understanding, and a desire to improve. These guys are still extremely young, and growth occurs at varying rates."
Nigeria was selected as one of the countries for the 2026 Next Gen Draft due to its rich football culture, big youth population, and reputation as a talent magnet.
According to the organizers, the project drew teams from many communities, including clubs from Lagos and other parts of the country, such as Kano, highlighting its community-focused approach.
Desmond Chiji, LALIGA's delegate for Nigeria and Ghana, stated that the program represents the league's long-term commitment to youth development in Africa.
"It's about the youth. "It is about the next generation," he explained. "In the short term, we want people to understand that LALIGA is committed to promoting football in this area.
Long-term goals include empowering young players who might not otherwise have this kind of opportunity and opening doors for potential.
Another important factor in the program's delivery was the Nationwide League One. Its Chief Operating Officer, Olusola Ogunlowo, clarified that the NLO supplied player and club data to guarantee an impartial and comprehensive selection procedure.
He noted that LALIGA, EA SPORTS, and Legacy Sports paid for all expenses associated with the draft, making participation free.
The four chosen boys and four chosen girls will receive complete sponsorship to travel to Spain, where they will interact with other elite athletes from nations such as China, Mexico, and Morocco, play friendly matches, and be observed by LALIGA academies.
The Nigerian youths will participate in the LALIGA Experience in Madrid, Spain, where they will practice, play games against youth academy teams, and learn about European football culture.
Future opportunities will be made possible by inviting all LALIGA clubs to watch the program.
The trip is just getting started for the eight chosen players. However, organizers see more than just people who are visiting Spain.
One official stated, "Even for those who were not chosen, this is a valuable experience." "Learning, values, teamwork, and comprehending what it takes to grow in football are all important."
Nigeria's eight representatives now carry the hopes of a program based on opportunity, inclusivity, and the conviction that talent can go far beyond local pitches when given the right platform, as the global Next Gen Draft proceeds throughout other nations.
