Two Gokana football stars have taken a major step toward professional careers abroad after reaching the final stage of an international scouting programme in Abuja.
Their progress highlights the growing impact of grassroots football development in Gokana Local Government Area.
Gokana Football Stars Impress Scouts in Abuja Screening
The sports management team of Gokana LGA visited the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where the players took part in a competitive assessment match on Wednesday, April 22.
The delegation included Youth and Sports Supervisor Hon. Nwile Nloga, Gokana Sports Club Team Manager Coach Tiger Dugbor, and Viura Lezigha.
The two standout players—Popnen Dikoo from B-Dere and Happy LeeDere from K-Dere—earned their place in the final screening stage after consistent performances.
Both players emerged from the 2025 Gokana Chairman’s Unity Football Competition, a tournament designed to identify and develop local talent.
The scouting programme has attracted several European football scouts, increasing the stakes for the final selection. Players who make the cut are expected to travel to Europe for further opportunities.
Gokana Football Stars Backed by Local Leadership and NFF Talks
The rise of these Gokana football stars is closely linked to the efforts of Gokana’s Executive Chairman, Confidence Nyima Deko, who has actively supported youth football initiatives in the area.
His administration previously sponsored selected players from the Chairman’s Cup to participate in scouting programmes, a move now beginning to deliver results.
As part of that support, the chairman provided boots and jerseys to the players, ensuring they were equipped for high-level exposure.
While not all participants progressed, the initiative has strengthened the pathway for emerging talents.
In a further step to develop football in the region, the Gokana delegation also visited the Nigeria Football Federation headquarters in Abuja to explore collaboration opportunities between the federation and Gokana Sports Club.
Earlier, the team met with Dr. Fred Barivure Kpakol, Special Adviser to the FCT Minister on Environment, who praised the initiative and pledged support for the project.
With the final phase of the scouting programme underway, attention now turns to whether the two players can secure a move to Europe and become the latest success story from Gokana’s growing football system.