Ayisat Yusuf Football Academy Optimistic About LaLiga EA Sports Next Gen Draft In Lagos
By Saheed Afolabi
The Ayisat Yusuf Football Academy has voiced strong optimism ahead of the prestigious LaLiga EA Sports Next Gen Draft, scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 30 to February 1, 2026.
This high-profile grassroots youth event, organized by LaLiga and EA Sports in partnership with the Nationwide League One (NLO) and the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), will be hosted at the historic Mobolaji Johnson Stadium in Onikan.
The academy will join other leading youth teams from across Nigeria, where talented young players both boys and girls will compete for a chance to shine and unlock pathways to professional football on the global stage.
Head Coach Adeboye Shoneye hailed the academy’s invitation as a significant achievement, crediting it to the team’s dedication to nurturing talent and instilling discipline.
“This opportunity is incredibly meaningful and impactful for us,” Shoneye said.
“It recognizes the hard work we’ve invested in grassroots development over the years.
“The LaLiga EA Sports Next Gen Draft gives our players a unique stage to showcase their abilities, grow as athletes, and aspire to greater heights.
“We’re thrilled to contribute to an initiative that champions youth empowerment and international exposure through football.”
Launched in its second edition for 2026 (following the inaugural 2025 program), the Next Gen Draft is a worldwide effort to scout, educate, and nurture emerging football talents while emphasizing values like teamwork and community.
By fusing EA Sports’ gaming innovation with LaLiga’s professional expertise, the program hosts selection events in various countries to identify standout players for further development.
Top performers from the Lagos event four boys and four girls will earn a fully funded 10-day trip to Spain, immersing themselves in the LaLiga and EA Sports environment, training at elite facilities, and experiencing European football firsthand.
As Lagos gears up to host this landmark youth tournament, the Ayisat Yusuf Football Academy is determined to make a strong impact and uphold its reputation for fostering excellence.
