Zenith Saint Petersburg and Lokomotiv Moscow to storm Nigeria next month in search of players

RUSSIAN clubsides Zenith Saint Petersburg and Lokomotiv Moscow are expected to send a team of scouts to Nigeria next month as part of an aggressive programme to seek out and recruit local footballers.

Olanrewaju Oladebo,  a Russian-based Nigerian player agent who has organised the trip, will be bringing the scouts to the country between August 5 and 10. Mr Oladebo, who has transferred close to about 10 players from Lagos academy Natthy  FC, said  the five-day scouting programme will take place in three centres in Lagos, Ekiti and Ogun states.

He said it is his personal wish to ensure that more players hit stardom just like some of the products of his academy who are making waves abroad for their respective clubs. Mr Oladebo said: “This talent hunt event will afford the Scouts the opportunity to select first hand from these outstanding talents that will be showcased at the programme.

“Nigeria is no doubt blessed with abundance of young and talented players who are only waiting for the opportunity to showcase their talents to those that can help them achieve their dreams. This is the reason we are bringing scouts from respectable clubs such as Zenith St Petersburg and Lokomotiv Moscow."

Natthy Football Club recently won the Agege Goals Cup beating FC Agama on penalties. Natthy FC is also co-owned by Super Eagles forward Sylvester Igboun who plays for FC Ufa in the Russian League.