Seven rising stars from the Katsina Football Academy have jetted out of Nigeria to Portugal, setting their sights on global stardom as they gear up for the prestigious IBER Estoril Lisbon 2026 scouting tournament.
The young talents departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport with high hopes of catching the eyes of top European clubs and launching professional careers abroad.
The squad—Muhammad Hussain, Mannir Abdullahi, Ibrahim Abdu Haro, Nura S. Nura, Muhammad Muktar Katuka, Isah Usman Ali, and Abubakar Anas—represents the pride of Katsina’s grassroots football development.
The tournament, which kicks off March 31, will feature scouts and academies linked to European giants including AS Roma, Manchester City, Juventus, Brentford FC, FC Porto, SL Benfica, and Blackburn Rovers FC—offering a golden platform for discovery.
The breakthrough opportunity follows a strategic partnership between the state-owned academy and Moonluck FA Lagos, designed to open international pathways for young talents under the state’s youth development drive.
State Commissioner for Sports, Eng. Surajo Yazid Abukur, alongside Moonluck’s Sporting Director, Datti Yusuf Umar, recently sealed the deal, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to nurturing future champions.
Sending off the players, Academy Director Shamsuddeen Ibrahim charged them to be worthy ambassadors and seize the moment by securing professional contracts.
He also credited Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for his unwavering support, noting that the administration’s investment in youth and sports development made the historic outing possible.
As the “Magnificent 7” step onto European soil, Katsina—and indeed Nigeria—waits in anticipation for the next generation of football stars to rise.
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