Two promising Nigerian midfielders, Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen and Fawas Ayomide Adeleke, have attracted significant attention in the United Kingdom after impressing during a football trial, with both youngsters now being considered for scholarship opportunities that could combine their football development with further education.

The teenage midfielders, who are products of Buruj Sports Academy, caught the attention of the technical team with their performances during the trial, opening the door to what could become a major step forward in their young careers.

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Following their impressive showing, Anthony Williams MSC, Director of UK Football Trials, approached the players over a potential scholarship opportunity, with discussions now ongoing with their management representatives.

The proposed scholarships would give the two youngsters an opportunity to continue their football development in the United Kingdom while also pursuing further education, providing a pathway that could prove crucial to their ambitions of becoming professional footballers.

Salaudeen, born on May 13, 2010, has already built an impressive international résumé despite his young age.

The midfielder represented Nigeria at U-15 level during a two-legged international friendly against Morocco in 2024 before featuring for the country at the All African School Games in Algeria in 2025.

His performances subsequently earned him a call-up to the Nigeria U-17 set-up for a four-nation international invitation tournament in China in 2026.

Salaudeen has also gained experience beyond youth international football, having featured in Nigeria’s Nationwide League One, giving him an opportunity to compete against older and more experienced players.

Adeleke, born on April 20, 2011, has followed a similarly impressive path.

The young midfielder represented Nigeria at U-15 level against Morocco in 2024 and was also part of the Nigerian team at the African Schools Football Championship in 2025.

Like Salaudeen, Adeleke has already stepped into senior football through appearances in the Nationwide League One despite still being a teenager.

That combination of youth international experience and exposure to senior football has now helped place both players firmly on the radar in the United Kingdom.

Their latest trial has therefore become more than just another opportunity to showcase their ability.

It could potentially open the door to a new football and educational environment where they can continue developing their technical and tactical qualities while preparing academically for their future.

Both players have completed their secondary education in Nigeria and are now looking ahead to the possibility of beginning the next chapter of their lives in the United Kingdom.

For Salaudeen and Adeleke, the opportunity comes at a crucial stage in their development, with both youngsters determined to take full advantage of the interest generated by their performances.

Their journey from representing Nigeria at youth international level, to gaining valuable senior experience in the NLO, and now attracting scholarship interest in the United Kingdom, underlines the progress made by the two Buruj Sports Academy products.

With discussions over the proposed scholarships continuing, the young Nigerians now have an opportunity that could take their careers to another level.

And if they can build on the promise that attracted attention during their UK trial, Salaudeen and Adeleke could be taking their first major steps towards turning their dream of professional football into reality.

The post Nigerian Teenage Stars Raheem Salaudeen, Fawas Adeleke Spark UK Scholarship Interest After Stunning Trial appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Three promising Nigerian youngsters — Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen, Fawas Ayomide Adeleke and Jacob Obiora Iyida — are taking another important step in their football development after being registered for trial opportunities in the United Kingdom.

The trio, who are associated with Buruj Football Club and Buruj Sports Academy, will have the opportunity to experience football in a different environment while testing themselves against talented players in the UK.

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The registration is part of Buruj’s wider commitment to creating international pathways for young Nigerian footballers and providing them with opportunities to gain exposure beyond the domestic football system.

For Raheem, Fawas and Jacob, the UK opportunity represents more than simply a football trial. It is a chance to learn, adapt and understand the demands of playing in a different football culture.

The three youngsters have continued to show commitment and determination throughout their development, and their latest opportunity provides another platform to showcase the qualities they have developed through their time in Nigeria.

Speaking about the opportunity, Raheem Salaudeen said:

“This is a big opportunity for us and we are grateful to everyone who has supported our journey. We want to go there, learn as much as possible, compete with confidence and show what Nigerian young players can do.”

Fawas Adeleke also expressed his determination to make the most of the experience:

“I see this as an opportunity to improve myself and understand a different style of football. I want to work hard, listen to the coaches and make every opportunity count. Hopefully, this will open another door for my career.”

For Jacob Obiora Iyida, the focus is equally clear — continue learning, gaining experience and taking another step towards his professional ambitions.

“I’m excited about the opportunity because playing outside Nigeria has always been one of my goals. I know there is a lot to learn, so I want to stay focused, work hard and show my best whenever I get the chance.”

Buruj Football Club and Buruj Sports Academy believe international exposure can play a significant role in the development of young footballers, allowing them to experience different coaching philosophies, tactical approaches and football cultures.

The academy’s development philosophy also places emphasis on education and personal development, ensuring that young players are prepared not only for possible professional careers but also for life beyond football.

The UK trip therefore represents another stage in a broader development pathway designed to help Nigerian youngsters build confidence, experience and international connections.

For Raheem, Fawas and Jacob, the message is simple: the opportunity has arrived, and now it is time to make it count.

From Nigeria to the United Kingdom, another chapter begins—with bigger dreams ahead.

The post Nigerian Trio Take Major Step as Buruj Football Academy Secures UK Trial Opportunities appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

A product of the former British Council youth development project, Community Action Through Sport (CATS), Riliwan Hassan has disclosed that he is eagerly looking forward to receiving technical tips from the head coach at FC Midtjylland of Denmark, Svend Graversen.

Sports247 reports that the now 35-year-old Hassan made the disclosure following confirmation of his appointment as an assistant coach with Midtjylland’s under-19 squad, seven years after he left the Danish top-flight team as a player.

The former dashing winger, who grew up in Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos and joined Midtjylland at the age of 16 from FC Ebedei of Sagamu, is already thinking big about creating another round of impressions, as he did while playing for the club for more than 10 years.

Hassan, who joined Ebedei after attending one of their scouting competitions with CATS’ sister squad, National Grassroots Dream Team in 2003, made 264 appearances for Midtjylland and helped them win two Danish Superliga titles as well as one Danish Cup.

The dark-skinned dazzler from Kwara State, who was known for his blistering pace, attacking ability and all-action efforts, left Midtjylland in 2019, then joined fellow-Danish side, Sønderjyske before moving to Sreenidi Deccan FC of India and later Ham Kam of Norway.

He has now returned to the club where his professional journey began, as he starts work as assistant coach of the under-19 team alongside Graversen, who he eagerly wants to leant technical details under, because he admits coaching brings a different challenge in football.

“I am happy that I will be working closely with Svend Graversen. He will teach me a lot. I know him from when I was a player at the club. So, it is a good opportunity for me to start under him. I look forward to learning an incredible amount as a coach.

“I know a lot about being a player, but now it’s a new role that I have to get to know,” said Hassan, who emerged as second most valuable player, behind former Super Eagles’ attacker, Nnamdi Oduamadi, at the 2002 Dokun Abidoye Memorial Cup in Osogbo.

The post CATS Project Graduate Riliwan Hassan Eager To Get Coaching Tips From Svend Graversen At FC Midtjylland Of Denmark appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.