Rev. (Amb) Samuel Ikpea, as West African envoy of Brazil-based Africano FC, has officially launched open trials in Lagos to scout young talent for the club’s upcoming international programme. Screening took place at the National Institute for Sports from 15–17 April 2025, selecting 23 players aged 15–18 to represent Nigeria in matches in Brazil and Spain.
Ikpea clarified the scope of the initiative: “Africano FC is not about Nigeria” and promised that after the Lagos trials, screenings will continue in Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana, and other African nations to ensure continental representation.
He revealed that the official launch of Africano FC Nigeria will take place in Lagos, supported by the Brazilian embassy, ahead of the club’s participation in Brazil’s Maranhense Championship Serie B, scheduled from June to November this year.
Ikpea expressed immense satisfaction with the quality of talent discovered and confirmed that preparations for Brazil will start immediately. Selected players may face Africano FC Brazil before travelling to Spain, where they could attract the attention of European scouts.
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Editorial
We consider Africano FC’s launch a bold stride toward elevating African grassroots football to international stages. Guided by Rev. Ikpea, the project builds a network that stretches beyond Nigeria’s borders into Togo, Ghana and Benin demonstrating ambition aligned with inclusion.
We admire the structure: open trials without agents, age limits set firmly at 15–18, and mandatory international passports mark a disciplined, professional approach. Selecting just 23 players from thousands shows the intent to nurture elite talent, not mass participation.
The collaboration with Africano FC Brazil adds real-world shape to the vision. Tours to Brazil and Spain aren’t just competitive tests they’re exposure platforms. Young players entering the Maranhao Serie B gain invaluable experience, and the possibility of attracting European clubs adds serious incentive.
We also value the symbolism of hosting an official launch at the Brazilian embassy in Lagos. It’s more than ceremonial it represents cultural affirmation, diplomatic ties, and the legitimacy of the project. That confidence reflects long‑term thinking.
If African football is to compete globally, initiatives like this must be sustained. Grassroots discovery needs structure, continuity, and investment. Africano FC may well be the prototype: locally anchored, internationally connected, and rooted in belief. Its promise lies in the journeys of young Africans stepping into new worlds.
Did You Know?
- The open trials in Lagos occurred from 15–17 April 2025, and participants had to be between 15 and 18 years old with valid passports.
- Out of thousands of hopefuls, only 23 players were selected to form the first Nigerian squad of Africano FC.
- The official launch is planned to take place in Lagos, in collaboration with the Brazilian embassy.
- Africano FC Nigeria will compete in Brazil’s Maranhense Championship Serie B (June–November), followed by a tour in Spain.
- Rev. Samuel Ikpea serves as Ambassador of Santos FC to Nigeria and was recently appointed West African representative of Africano FC Brazil.
