The LALIGA EA NEXT Gen Draft Nigeria, a groundbreaking grassroots football initiative, has successfully concluded its Nigerian phase, leading to the selection of eight promising young talents. This joint initiative by LALIGA and EA SPORTS, supported by Legacy Sports, the Nationwide League One (NLO), and the Lagos State Football Association, aims to discover and empower young football talents by offering them a clear pathway to showcase their abilities on an international stage.

From an initial pool of 168 boys and girls who participated in the Nigerian phase held in Lagos, four boys and four girls were chosen to represent Nigeria in the prestigious LALIGA Experience in Madrid, Spain. This global initiative spans five countries—Nigeria, Morocco, Mexico, China, and Japan—with eight players from each nation slated to travel to Spain in May. There, they will train, compete, and immerse themselves in elite football development environments.

The selected Nigerian girls are Tosin Eguono Rafiu and Rodiat Kanyinsola Yusuf, both from FC Robo Queens; Amaka Perpetual Ibegbu of Cats Ladies; and Sanni Kehinde Aishat of Dream Stars. The boys chosen are Samuel Edem Okon and Joseph Oloko, both from Seamoriow, alongside Mavlon FC duo Ijachi Ogar Timothy and Idris Noah.

Mr. Philip Diwan, President of Legacy Sports, hailed the programme as a rare and significant opportunity for young Nigerian players, emphasizing that it is the first time a major league like LALIGA has engaged at the grassroots level in Nigeria. LALIGA officials clarified that the draft is not a traditional trial but a comprehensive opportunity for players to gain exposure, learn new ideas, and undergo assessment across multiple sessions. The scouting process was meticulously structured, evaluating technical ability, tactical understanding, physical qualities, and attitude, with a strong emphasis on long-term potential rather than immediate performance. They stressed that the aim is to identify players with development potential, strong decision-making skills, a good understanding of the game, and a willingness to improve, recognizing that growth occurs at different speeds for young athletes.

Nigeria was specifically chosen for the 2026 edition of the Next Gen Draft due to its vibrant football culture, large youth population, and established reputation as a talent hub. Organizers noted the project's community-focused approach, drawing participation from various communities and clubs across Nigeria, including Lagos and Kano.

Desmond Chiji, LALIGA's delegate for Nigeria and Ghana, underscored the programme's reflection of LALIGA's long-term commitment to youth development in Africa. He stated that in the short term, it demonstrates LALIGA's seriousness about developing football in the region, while in the long term, it aims to create pathways and empower young talents who might otherwise lack such opportunities.

The Nationwide League One (NLO) played a crucial role in the programme's execution. Its Chief Operating Officer, Olusola Ogunlowo, explained that the NLO provided essential club and player data to ensure a fair and extensive selection process. He also highlighted that participation in the draft was entirely free, with all costs covered by LALIGA, EA SPORTS, and Legacy Sports. The selected eight players will have their entire trip to Spain fully sponsored, where they will interact with top talents from countries like Morocco, China, and Mexico, engage in friendly matches, and be observed by LALIGA academies.

During their LALIGA Experience in Madrid, the young Nigerian athletes will train, participate in matches against youth academy sides, and gain invaluable exposure to European football culture. All LALIGA clubs will be invited to observe the programme, potentially opening doors for future opportunities for these budding stars. While the journey for the eight selected players is just beginning, organizers stressed that the broader impact extends beyond those traveling to Spain. The experience itself is deemed valuable for all participants, fostering learning, instilling values, promoting teamwork, and cultivating an understanding of what it takes to succeed in football. As the global Next Gen Draft continues, Nigeria's eight representatives proudly carry the aspirations of a programme founded on opportunity, inclusion, and the belief that talent, when given the right platform, can achieve remarkable heights.