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Four promising young footballers have been identified for possible international opportunities following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Victoria Football Academy (VFA) Scouting Tournament in Benin City, Edo State.
The three-day scouting programme, which brought together football scouts and agents from France and Brazil, was organised by the Benin-based Victoria Football Academy from November 3 to 5 at Crescent Sports Club, Irhirhi, Benin City, under the theme, “Discover • Develop • Excel.”
Six grassroots teams participated in the exercise: Victoria FA, Westgate FC, Alhaji FA, Dynamo Academica FC, Rolly FC and Ine Stars FC.
Among the international football experts who assessed the participating players were French FIFA-licensed agent Philippe Kontostavlos and Brazilian scouts Mesquita da Silva and Dutra da Vergas Claudinei.
The scouts closely monitored the youngsters during the exercise, with particular attention to their technical abilities, physical attributes, tactical understanding and overall potential for further development and possible international opportunities.
At the end of the assessment, four players emerged as outstanding prospects. Dynamo Academica FC produced two of the selected players, while Victoria FA and Ine Stars FC had one representative each.
Plans are reportedly underway to facilitate further development opportunities abroad for the selected youngsters.
Speaking on the overall quality of players at the programme, French agent Kontostavlos described the standard as encouraging, noting that several of the participants possessed impressive natural attributes.
“The general level is good. Some players have a natural mentality, they are strong and fast, while some have good quality in their first touch,” he said.
However, he identified tactical awareness as a major area requiring improvement, stressing the need for quality coaching, structured development programmes and a conducive football environment to help young talents fulfil their potential.
Assessing the players’ chances of progressing to the next level, Kontostavlos said only a handful had demonstrated the qualities required to secure opportunities in reputable football academies.
“I will not say a high percentage, but a few players probably have the potential to take the next step and get into the right academy,” he stated.
He urged the young footballers not to relent in pursuing their ambitions, advising them to remain disciplined, hardworking and prepared to seize opportunities whenever they arise.
“Follow your dream, believe in yourself, always work hard and take the chance when it arrives,” Kontostavlos advised.
The French football agent also emphasised the importance of providing emerging talents in Edo State with access to quality academies and a suitable developmental environment, noting that natural talent alone was not enough to guarantee success at the highest level.
Unlike conventional football competitions, the three-day scouting programme was primarily designed to identify, assess and expose promising grassroots footballers to international scouting networks rather than produce an overall tournament winner.
The selection of four players for possible international opportunities represents a significant milestone for Victoria Football Academy and its commitment to discovering, nurturing and promoting young football talents in Edo State and beyond.