The Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA) has concluded its highly anticipated scouting programme to discover new talents that will not only make it professionally in football but also play for the country’s various national teams.
The trials took place at Femi Gbajabiamila mini-Stadium, Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba between Monday, 5 February, and Friday, 9 February, 2024.
The event witnessed an outstanding participation of over 300 young female football enthusiasts, ranging from ages 9 to 17, who came from various schools and football academies in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states.
Academies such as Unification FC, CATS Ladies, Future Stars Girls, FC Phoenix Ladies, Murich Academy Girls, and Nakamura Black Arrow Academy added to the diverse mix of talents present at the scouting trials.
The selection criteria employed by the technical crew encompassed evaluating not just the technical prowess of the players but also their attitude, character, and physical attributes. After careful consideration, 10 outstanding players were chosen to join the Asisat Oshoala Academy, securing a spot on the prestigious team.
However, as part of the academy’s commitment to maintaining high standards, 10 players from the existing roster have been released due to various reasons, including issues related to attitude, consistency, absenteeism without permission, and the inability to meet AOA’s training and football basic requirements over the past year.
In a statement, Coach Alabi Kazeem, Head Coach of Asisat Oshoala Academy, highlighted the importance of the scouting programme, stating, “The successful completion of our scouting trials signifies not only the talent we’ve unearthed but also the rigorous standards we uphold at AOA. We are thrilled to welcome new players into our fold and are confident in their potential to contribute to the growth of women’s football in Nigeria.”
For the 10 players who were released, AOA is dedicated to providing an alternative pathway for them. Vocational training will be offered to equip them with valuable skills for future purposes.
Parents or guardians of the successful players are required to accompany their wards on the resumption date, presenting a parental consent letter and a medical certificate indicating good health from a government general hospital.
The scouting programme was not only a triumph for AOA in terms of talent identification but also a resounding success in terms of safety and organization, with no incidents recorded throughout its duration.
Asisat Oshoala Academy looks forward to the continued success and development of its players, fostering a legacy of excellence in women’s football in Nigeria.
