The governor of Nasarawa State Engr. Abdullahi Sule, welcomed a group of Spanish football scouts and managers to the Government House in Lafia.
The delegation, led by Ms. Gladys Stephens, said that it had come to Nasarawa State to discover football talent and to seek a relationship with the State Government in these areas.
Gladys also revealed that the group is working towards the establishment of Real Betis Football Academy in Lafia, Backpage Naija reported.
“We are here at the instance of Salisu Galadima Basira for a talent hunt programme as well as offer opportunity to grassroots footballers to actualize their dreams
“Beyond this, we are proposing to establish a Football Academy in Nasarawa State where the State Government will partner with major La Liga Clubs in Spain to develop football and coaches in the State.
“Talents discovered and developed through the Academy will be sent to Clubs in Spain and Europe for further development and subsequent sale, while parts of the proceeds will come to the State Government.
“These, among others, will go a long way in creating jobs and taking youth of the State off the streets and other social vices.
“It will also add to the revenue drive of the State.”
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid Football Club are only Spanish clubs to have a football academy in Nigeria.
FC Barcelona’s academy is situated in Lagos while Real Madrid’s academy is in Port Harcourt.
Over 200 grassroots athletes are taking part in the scouting program, which is being organized by Salisu Galadima (Basira), owner of FC Basira of the Nationwide League One. 140 of the athletes are from Nasarawa State, with the remaining participants hailing from Plateau, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, and Kano States, respectively.
