For Nigerian Young Talented Soccer Players that thought of becoming a professional player, I mean a real International Star, you are not alone. In fact, on any given day in Nigeria, more young men are looking for ways to jump start a professional football career than say, start an Online Business or work with an Oil Company or Bank. The reason may be the kind of fame and the amount of money thrown at players like Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo, Obafemi Martins, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, which makes Football Profession one of the most attractive careers in Nigeria, just like the Music and Film Acting.
No doubt, there are abundant of raw talents in Nigeria and it is understandable. Football is probably the first toy most male child get from their parents. So before even a baby could start crawling, he has already begun to fiddle with a ball.
Hundreds of young intending footballers send me an email daily, some even call asking me to help them in one way or another to realize their football dreams. I believe they could have besieged my office if I had one. But I only communicate with them virtually. I have spent several minutes and hours on phone as well as meeting players’ one-on-one at quick service restaurants like Hotels, Mr. Biggs, to counsel them on the way forward with their intended football career. I recently organized a seminar where a thousand players showed up and I believe this article will answer their sleepless thoughts.
Before entering the world of a contemporary football career, a player needs to understand the framework. Like you know, every profession has its’ own intricacies and you should understand how to go about it. Several variables affect the choice of the best way to launch your football career successfully:
Join a Football Academy:
If you’re still within the age less than 13 to 18 years and you need to develop your football skills properly. I advise you to join a football academy rather than playing for a ‘boys club.’
A football Academy In Nigeria
In a football academy you instructed by qualified coaching staff who understands the rudiments of the game. They will help you develop professional techniques and groom your natural skills.
The trend now-a-day is this, it is through these academies that scouts and coaches select players to the Under 16 (Eaglets camp).
Here are list of Accredited Football Academy you can join in Nigeria:
- Kwara football academy.
- Pepsi football academy.
- Papilo football academy.
- Football College Abuja.
- Midas football academy.
- Siaone soccer academy.
Visit Trial Camp Home or Abroad:
If you have just graduated from a football school or academy and you are still within the age of 15 to 18 years, it’s time to start attending trial camps, especially the properly organized ones either locally or internationally. This is where top scouts and agents can see you play and if your skills interest them, they will admit you into one of the top flight youth teams.
If you don’t have money to pay for trial camp abroad, I would like you to read this:
Get a Licensed Player’s Agent
If you are already playing for a professional football club in the Nigerian league, then look for an Intermediary that is a player’s licensed Agent to represent you he/she has strong contact with top coaches and scout either locally or internationally. He can help you get invitations for trial tests with clubs abroad.
It may be easier if you are doing well in the national team or you have a professionally filmed and edited video clips of your best performances. Agents can present your video clips to clubs and get them to invite you for trial test.
Have Cash
Remember in everything money is involve even in the house of God, you will need money to cover some aspects, especially in Nigeria here unlike Abroad where they have good economy and love to see raw talented players, we have people that are better than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but because of the lack of funds their dreams were fade away. I don’t say that you should let you dreams die because you don’t have cash.
Remember that you are playing in your academy or boys club where they didn’t give you a dime, but you still keep the spirit moving. The same thing applicable to doing anything to raise funds and support your dreams.
Believe in yourself.
In everything you do you have to believe in yourself, I tell you that people like Neymer, Messi, C. Ronaldo, etc. were not born with the success and skills but consistency, hard work and determination kept them where they are now. So if they can make it you too can make.