NFF APPOINTS GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL EXPERT AHMED LAWAL DANKOLI AS OLYMPIC EAGLES CHIEF SCOUT- A REWARD FOR EXPERIENCE AND EXCELLENCE IN TALENT DEVELOPMENT*

 *NFF APPOINTS GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL EXPERT AHMED LAWAL DANKOLI AS OLYMPIC EAGLES CHIEF SCOUT- A REWARD FOR EXPERIENCE AND EXCELLENCE IN TALENT DEVELOPMENT* 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has made a commendable decision with the appointment of experienced football coach, scout and talent developer Ahmed Lawal Dankoli as Chief Scout of the Nigeria U-23 national team, popularly known as the Olympic Eagles.

This appointment is a recognition of experience, dedication and years of investment in grassroots football development and talent discovery.

Dankoli is not a newcomer to Nigerian football. He has spent several years identifying, nurturing and developing young footballers, with an impressive track record that cuts across grassroots football, academy development and various national youth teams.

Since 2012, he has served as Head Coach of Abuja Football College, an institution affiliated with HNB Rijeka of Croatia. Through the academy, he has reportedly discovered and developed more than 100 players who have progressed to feature in the NPFL and European leagues, with over 40 currently playing in Europe.

His coaching credentials are equally impressive. He has handled Ranchers Bees FC, Sokoto Football Academy and the NPFL U-17 All-Stars, while also serving in different capacities with Nigeria's U-15, U-17, U-20 and U-23 national teams.

His international exposure, including annual European football tours and tournaments since 2014, further strengthens his understanding of modern football development and international talent identification.

What makes Dankoli's appointment particularly significant is his practical understanding of the Nigerian grassroots football environment. He understands where talents are hidden, how young players can be developed and the importance of creating pathways from academies to professional football.

As the Olympic Eagles begin preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers, his responsibility will go beyond identifying talented players. He will be expected to discover footballers with the technical quality, tactical intelligence, physical attributes and mentality required to compete at the highest international level.

The NFF deserves commendation for recognising the importance of experienced grassroots football developers in strengthening the national team structure.

Nigeria has never lacked football talent. What the country needs is a consistent and effective system of identifying, nurturing and integrating those talents into the national teams.

With Dankoli's experience, the Olympic Eagles have gained a valuable addition to their technical structure.

@Coach Uni Dan Kakwi