Seven young players from the Katsina State Football Academy will participate in the prestigious IBER CUP 2026 scheduled to be held in Cascais, Portugal, from March 31 to April 5.
The players will feature in the 2010 11v11 Elite category in partnership with Moonluck FC, Lagos, as they seek to showcase their talents on the global stage.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of Katsina State Football Academy, Ahmed Mohammed, said the tournament presents a major opportunity for the players to secure professional contracts and gain international exposure.
He noted that the competition will bring together top youth teams across the world, including sides like SV Werder Bremen of Germany, UD Almeria of Spain, and Phoenix Rising Stars of the United States.
According to him, the young players will also compete in a tournament that features global football giants such as Manchester United, FC Porto, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Mohammed added that the participation is not only about competition but also about putting Katsina State on the global football map.
“This is a big opportunity for our players to showcase their talent, win prizes and attract international attention. It is also a chance to project Katsina as a hub for football development,” he said.
The academy chairman disclosed that the scouting program will be commenced in Katsina early by Malta Tonio D’Amato and Belarus. Adding that Kabir Muhammad Kabir will sign a professional contract with Armenian Based Club in June.
“There is also an opportunity for Katsina secondary school students to get scholarships in USA and Europe through football following a soccer combine program in Summer,” Muhammad noted.
The academy chairman, however, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well and make Nigeria proud at the tournament.