Tanko Cup 2026: European Scouts Storm Lagos As 20 Academies Chase International Opportunities
By Saheed Afolabi
Lagos will host a major grassroots football scouting programme from November 17 to 19 as the 2026 Tanko Cup attracts European scouts, football agencies and representatives of more than 10 clubs seeking emerging Nigerian talents.
The three-day competition will take place at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium Complex, Surulere, with 20 academies, comprising 12 male and eight female teams, expected to participate in the talent discovery programme.
Organised by Abdullahi Tanko of FK Pardubice, Czech Republic, the initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between grassroots football in Nigeria and professional opportunities in Europe.
Tanko, a product of Team 360, is spearheading the project as part of his commitment to youth development and giving back to the football community by creating opportunities for talented Nigerian players to pursue professional careers.
Unlike conventional grassroots competitions, the Tanko Cup is designed to provide participating players with direct exposure to international scouts, club representatives and football agencies.
European scouts are expected to attend the tournament physically, while more than 10 clubs will monitor proceedings online as they search for promising players to strengthen their respective teams.
Among the clubs expected to follow the competition are FK Teuta of Albania, AIK of Sweden, Vizela of Portugal, Bergantino of Spain, AC Horsens of Denmark, FK Pardubice of the Czech Republic, Maasmechelen of Belgium and PAOK of Greece.
Representatives of football agencies from Finland, Germany, Denmark and Sweden are also expected to participate in the scouting exercise, further highlighting the international interest surrounding the competition.
To extend its reach beyond Nigeria, the organisers have arranged live coverage of the matches on YouTube through Team360FCTV, allowing international clubs and talent evaluators to assess players remotely.
The inclusion of eight female academies alongside 12 male teams is another significant feature of the competition, providing young female footballers with an opportunity to showcase their abilities and attract attention from potential professional suitors.
The opening day on Tuesday, November 17, will feature six fixtures, beginning with Team 360 FC against Ikorodu City at 11:00am. China Sunstars will face G12 FC at 11:40am, while Emmyninho FC take on Collins Edwin at 12:20pm.
The remaining fixtures will see VIDO99 battle Box2Box FC at 1:00pm, FC Bethel face FC Midwell at 1:40pm, and Team 360 FC B meet Evolution FC at 2:20pm.
All matches will be played at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium Complex, Surulere, with supporters and international observers able to follow the action through the organisers designated YouTube channel.
