The grand finale of the Benue State Scouting Project, a grassroots football program aimed at discovering and developing raw local talent is scheduled to take place from Monday, May 26 to Friday, May 30, 2025.
This groundbreaking initiative began in May 2024 with zonal screenings across the three senatorial districts of Benue State, including players from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
Following the screening, 120 promising players were selected and have since been camped at the Aper Aku Transit Camp from November 2024.
The players underwent training and elimination sessions under the mentorship of Nigerian-born ex-England international, Ambassador John Fashanu, who once played for FC Wimbledon, Norwich City, and Aston Villa.
The organisers of the project, Ontrade Solid Concept Ltd, in collaboration with the Zalen Foundation and the Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management have expressed deep gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, for endorsing the project through the Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode, and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Kunde.
They also highlighted the support of Ann Ogoza Ugye, Executive Director of the Zalen Foundation, who played a major role in the establishment of Zalen FC, the first IDP football club designed to discover and nurture football talent from the camp.
The convener of the project, Helen Aisha Ogenyi, specially appreciated the Majority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Tiseer Sateer, for his unwavering commitment to the project’s success. She cited his passion for grassroots sports and concern for displaced persons as key motivators behind his support.
In addition, the organisers acknowledged the contributions of the Director General of Radio Benue, Mr. Teeseer Mnzulugha, for ensuring the project received broad media visibility, and the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Agency, Dr. Sir James Iorpuu, for providing palliatives to the players and granting access to the camp for the execution of project activities.
The highlight of the grand finale will be the presence of European football giant, Mr. Milan Martinovic, a FIFA-licensed player agent and legal expert with over 25 years of experience. Martinovic, who represents former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Čech and currently serves as Special Adviser to the Minister of Sports in Saudi Arabia, will be on ground to scout and select players for professional opportunities in Europe.
Meanwhile, Project Coordinator Mr. Franklyn Imonah, a sports consultant and journalist with over nine years of experience, has finalised arrangements with several top-tier Nigerian clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL), and Nigeria Youth League (NYL), as well as with reputable football academies, to absorb players who may not be selected for European contracts.
Mr. Imonah, who is also a certified football agent affiliated with over seven international clubs, is making progress in facilitating placements for players in countries such as Egypt, South Africa, Serbia, France, Cyprus, and China.
The organisers have assured all participating players that no one will be left behind or returned to their previous local clubs or IDP camps, reaffirming their commitment to securing the future of each player through football.
Most recently, the project received further endorsements from the Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company and the Benue State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The organisers are especially proud that the grand finale will take place at a time when His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia, a known football enthusiast, will be celebrating his second year in office. He is expected to grace the event in person, demonstrating his continued love and support for the youth of Benue State.
