By Atlantic Reports

Kaduna-based Ikon Allah Football Academy is preparing a scouting tournament in Abuja to give emerging footballers opportunities to attract interest from clubs abroad.

The academy’s president, Ayi Mohammed, announced the plans on Tuesday in Kaduna, saying the competition would bring together young players and scouts from Europe and other countries.

He said preparations focused on keeping players physically fit and mentally ready for the tournament.

“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.

The academy has not announced the tournament’s date, venue, participating clubs or confirmed scouts in the supplied account.

Building Routes into Professional Football

Mohammed said the academy’s recurring competitions formed part of its programme to identify and develop players capable of progressing into professional football.

He cited Zadok Yohanna as an example of that pathway, saying the youngster joined Swedish club AIK in 2025 before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2026.

Those career details were presented in the supplied account but were not accompanied by club confirmation.

Mohammed also said more than 50 players developed through the academy had secured opportunities in Europe over the years. The account did not identify those players or distinguish professional contracts from trials and other placements.

The proposed tournament offers exposure to scouts, but participation does not itself guarantee a trial, contract or transfer.

Training Pitch Targeted for December

Beyond the scouting event, Mohammed said the academy was working to complete its own training pitch, which he expected to be ready by December.

He said the facility would provide a more suitable environment for training and strengthen the academy’s development programme.

The completion date remains a target. The account did not disclose the project’s cost, funding or current stage of construction.

For the academy’s players, the immediate priorities are preparation for the Abuja tournament and access to improved training facilities. Confirmed scouting arrangements and clear information about any resulting opportunities will help establish what the programme delivers.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.