Lagos is set to host one of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football scouting programmes as the 2026 Tanko Cup brings together 20 academies and attracts international attention from European clubs, scouts and football agencies.
The three-day scouting programme, scheduled for November 17–19, 2026, will take place at Legacy Pitch, National Stadium Complex, Surulere, with 12 male academies and eight female academies competing for opportunities to attract international recognition.
The initiative is spearheaded by Abdullahi Tanko of FK Pardebuice, of Czech Republic, a product of Team 360, who is using the platform to support youth football development and give back to society by creating pathways for promising Nigerian footballers to achieve their professional ambitions.
Tanko’s vision is to bridge the gap between grassroots football and the international game, providing talented youngsters with opportunities to showcase their abilities before scouts and representatives of established European clubs.
Unlike conventional grassroots competitions, the Tanko Cup is designed to connect emerging talents directly with international football networks, particularly clubs seeking the next generation of promising players from Nigeria.
European Clubs Set to Monitor Proceedings
The competition is expected to attract significant international attention, with scouts scheduled to attend in Lagos and more than 10 European clubs expected to monitor the programme online in their search for emerging talents.
Among the clubs identified 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 leading football agencies from Finland, Germany, Denmark and Sweden are also expected to participate in the scouting exercise.
The organisers are providing live online coverage through YouTube, allowing international clubs and talent evaluators to follow the matches and assess players remotely.
The combination of physical scouting in Lagos and international online monitoring is expected to give participating footballers wider exposure and potentially open doors to professional opportunities abroad.
20 Academies to Compete for International Exposure
The 2026 edition will feature 20 academies, comprising 12 male teams and eight female teams, in a programme designed to give young footballers an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities before international observers.
The organisers see the inclusion of female academies as an important part of the initiative, ensuring that talented young women also have access to scouting opportunities and potential professional pathways.
Matchday One Fixtures
The opening day’s programme on Tuesday, November 17, will feature six fixtures:
– 11:00am – Team 360 FC vs Ikorodu City
– 11:40am – China Sunstars vs G12 FC
– 12:20pm – Emmyninho FC vs Collins Edwin
– 1:00pm – VIDO99 vs Box2Box FC
– 1:40pm – FC Bethel vs FC Midwell
– 2:20pm – Team 360 FC B vs Evolution FC
All matches will be played at Legacy Pitch, National Stadium Complex, Surulere, Lagos, with games streamed live on YouTube through Team360FCTV.
Beyond Football: Creating Opportunities for Young Talents
For Abdullahi Tanko, the competition represents more than an opportunity to organise another grassroots football tournament.
As a product of Team 360, his involvement reflects a commitment to giving back to the football community and helping young players access opportunities that might otherwise remain beyond their reach.
By bringing European scouts, club representatives and football agencies closer to grassroots football, the initiative seeks to establish a more direct connection between local talent development and international professional opportunities.
With international observers expected to follow the competition, the Tanko Cup 2026 promises to be an important platform for discovering emerging Nigerian football talents and strengthening the country’s reputation as a source of promising players for the global game.
