By Joel Ajayi
In a continued effort to enhance Nigerian football, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and the Hungary-based sports management company V Agency have teamed up to advance scouting methodologies in Nigeria through education and technology.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at a workshop organized by V Agency Sports Management to highlight the transformative role of technology in scouting, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau stated that Nigeria has been lagging in scouting. He emphasized the need to partner with the Hungarian sports agency, V Agency, to help discover talent and secure opportunities for selected players in Europe.
He said, “Nigeria is being left behind in the area of scouting, which has led many people from outside the country to organize competitions and pick some of the best players to secure them clubs abroad.
“To bridge this gap, the NFF must collaborate with Hungary to train Nigerians in scouting courses and also organize competitions to discover players and secure better opportunities for them. This initiative is in three phases, and this is just the first part of it.”
In his address, the Chairman of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, expressed pride in collaborating with V Agency, a distinguished Hungarian company renowned for its expertise in advanced scouting methodologies.
“In the ever-evolving world of football, staying ahead requires innovation and adaptability. By integrating advanced technology into our scouting operations, we gain several key advantages,” he said.
“By embracing these technological advancements, facilitated by our partnership with V Agency, the NPFL can enhance its scouting processes, fostering a more competitive and dynamic football environment in Nigeria.”
He urged stakeholders to remain committed to integrating these innovations to ensure Nigerian football continues to excel and inspires future generations.
The Ambassador of Hungary, Lorand Endreffy, also spoke at the event, expressing the Hungarian Embassy’s full support for the partnership’s success. He commended Nigeria’s global football achievements, noting that the country has produced numerous renowned players currently playing across Europe.
“Our embassy is ready to support both parties in their football development efforts. Football plays a major role in both Nigeria and Hungary. The Nigerian Super Eagles have inspired millions, making them one of the best teams globally.
“Therefore, it is essential that grassroots talents are developed and mentored by professionals to gain the necessary skills and become world-class players.”
However, the event covered various topics, including the use of advanced scouting software, video editing techniques, artificial intelligence, and analytics courses.
It also explored how these tools, in conjunction with assessments of players’ physical attributes, can transform professional scouting. Additionally, the workshop highlighted V Agency’s efforts in fostering sports and educational partnerships in Nigeria, creating opportunities for collaboration among football clubs, academies, schools, and industry professionals.
The workshop provided valuable insights into leveraging technology and education for talent identification and development. By integrating modern scouting methods and educational programs, this partnership aims to elevate the standards of football scouting in Nigeria, ensuring a more systematic, data-driven approach to discovering and nurturing football talent.
