The 2026 Victoria Football Academy Scouting Tournament, held in Benin City, Edo State, has identified four promising young footballers for possible international opportunities. The three-day event, which took place from November 3 to 5, brought together football scouts and agents from France and Brazil. The scouting programme was organised by the Benin-based Victoria Football Academy and featured six grassroots teams. The tournament's theme was "Discover • Develop • Excel."
International football experts, including French FIFA-licensed agent Philippe Kontostavlos and Brazilian scouts Mesquita da Silva and Dutra da Vergas Claudinei, assessed the participating players. They closely monitored the youngsters, focusing on their technical abilities, physical attributes, tactical understanding, and overall potential for further development. The scouts' evaluation led to the selection of four outstanding prospects, with Dynamo Academica FC producing two of the chosen players, while Victoria FA and Ine Stars FC each had one representative.
French agent Kontostavlos expressed encouragement about the overall quality of players at the programme, noting that several participants possessed impressive natural attributes. He highlighted that some players had a natural mentality, were strong and fast, while others had a good quality in their first touch. However, Kontostavlos identified tactical awareness as a major area requiring improvement. He stressed the need for quality coaching, structured development programmes, and a conducive football environment to help young talents fulfil their potential.
Kontostavlos assessed the players' chances of progressing to the next level, stating that only a handful had demonstrated the qualities required to secure opportunities in reputable football academies. He advised the young footballers not to relent in pursuing their ambitions, urging them to remain disciplined, hardworking, and prepared to seize opportunities whenever they arise. Kontostavlos' advice to the players was to "follow your dream, believe in yourself, always work hard and take the chance when it arrives."
The French football agent emphasised the importance of providing emerging talents in Edo State with access to quality academies and a suitable developmental environment. He noted that natural talent alone was not enough to guarantee success at the highest level. Kontostavlos' comments highlight the need for investment in football infrastructure and coaching in Nigeria to help young players reach their full potential.
Unlike conventional football competitions, the three-day scouting programme was primarily designed to identify, assess, and expose promising grassroots footballers to international scouting networks. The selection of four players for possible international opportunities represents a significant milestone for Victoria Football Academy and its commitment to discovering, nurturing, and promoting young football talents in Edo State and beyond.
Plans are reportedly underway to facilitate further development opportunities abroad for the selected youngsters. The Victoria Football Academy's scouting programme has provided a platform for Nigerian youth footballers to showcase their skills and potentially secure international opportunities. The programme's success is a positive step towards developing football talent in Nigeria and providing young players with a chance to excel at the highest level.
Key points
- Four Nigerian youth footballers have been identified for possible international opportunities following the 2026 Victoria Football Academy Scouting Tournament.
