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The FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) has significantly impacted football development in Nigeria since its introduction in 2023, according to Nasiru Jibril, the scheme’s coordinator in the country.
Following a nationwide workshop in December 2023, which saw representatives from all states in attendance, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) launched an extensive scouting program across ten states to identify emerging football talents.
Jibril, speaking to thenff.com, emphasized that the initiative aims to create a sustainable legacy for long-term player development, maximizing opportunities for young talents, and ensuring that every gifted player is discovered and nurtured.
“Without a doubt, TDS is the best thing to happen to player discovery and development in Nigeria in a long time,” Jibril stated. “With FIFA now making the U17 World Cup an annual event for both boys and girls, it is crucial for countries to groom players from the ages of 13 and 14, allowing them to develop together before progressing to the U17 level.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s U15 team’s recent friendly matches against Morocco in Rabat, Jibril expressed confidence in the program’s success. He noted that the initiative is essential for preparing young players ahead of tournaments like the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also now be held annually.
Jibril, a former Nigeria U17 international who later earned caps for the senior national team, added that with regular training camps and a structured talent development process, Nigeria is on the right path to reclaiming past youth football glories. He also highlighted the program’s role in tackling age cheating.
“To enhance the progress of our young talents, we need to provide more international exposure for the U15 teams by organizing overseas camps and friendly matches. This will give them invaluable experience in international competition at an early stage,” he said.
The TDS program has already yielded tangible results, with a zonal scouting initiative leading to three phases of national training camps. A total of 48 players were selected and integrated into the federation’s official database, ensuring continuity in the development process.
Jibril further revealed that the U15 team that traveled to Morocco will now be promoted to the U16 level. This move will allow simultaneous training camps for both U15 and U16 squads when the 2025 FIFA TDS program resumes.
