Katsina, June 3, 2026 — Young footballers in Katsina State have had the chance to display their skills before visiting international scouts searching for emerging talents for professional opportunities in Europe.
The exposure came during the second edition of the four-day Governor Dikko Radda Football Scouting Tournament, held at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
The event was organised by the Katsina Football Academy in partnership with a football club from Belarus, attracting a large pool of promising young players from across the state.
Coordinator of the Katsina Football Academy, Shamsuddeen Ibrahim-Makudawa, expressed satisfaction with the level of performance displayed by participants, noting that the initiative was designed to identify gifted players and connect them with opportunities to pursue professional careers abroad.
He also appreciated the support of Governor Dikko Radda, as well as contributions from coaches, technical officials, and football enthusiasts toward the development of youth sports in the state.
Ibrahim-Makudawa explained that the competition brought together hundreds of young footballers competing for a chance to secure contracts with FC Torpedo BelAZ Zhodino, a Belarusian football club.
One of the visiting scouts, Vladimir Bogdanou, said the team travelled to Katsina to assess players with the potential to join the club and compete at a professional level.
Similarly, Katsina-born professional footballer based in Belarus, Hamza Hadi Mai-Dawa, said he facilitated the scouts’ visit with backing from the state government.
Mai-Dawa praised the discipline and quality of the players, revealing that about 15 to 17 players had been shortlisted for further evaluation.
He added that only standout performers would eventually be selected for professional opportunities abroad, noting that the tournament had inspired many young players in Katsina to pursue international football careers.