Ex-int’l Disu optimistic ahead SAMDA U-13 tourney News

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Ex-int’l Disu optimistic ahead SAMDA U-13 tourney

By Daily Sports Nigeria on April 20, 2026

Former Nigeria defender Tajudeen Disu is confident of ushering in a new wave of talent discovery as the Scalepea-Mah Development Association Nigeria U-13 football tournament for boys and girls kicks off on Monday (today) in Lagos.

The tournament, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board marks the entry of the global youth-focused organisation into Nigeria.

Players from the four participating teams resumed camp on Sunday, with matches scheduled to run through Tuesday at Opebi Primary School, Ikeja.

SAMDA Nigeria was officially launched last week in Lagos, attracting a strong turnout of prominent personalities from various sectors at the LASUBEB Hall in Maryland.

Disu, who also serves as SAMDA’s Head of Sports in Africa, received applause from attendees as he reflected on his journey from grassroots football to the international stage.

“SAMDA is here to provide talented young boys and girls with opportunities to take their careers to greater heights. I say this because I have experienced that pathway and understand the value of such platforms in fostering growth and development,” Disu said.

The former defender added, “I represented my primary and secondary schools before being drafted into the YSFON team that represented Nigeria at a youth tournament in Dallas, USA. Some of us were scouted by university coaches at that tournament. At the time, I was pursuing my Higher School Certificate at Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos.

“I was later drafted into the U-20 team and represented Nigeria at the 1983 World Youth Championship in Mexico, which was the country’s first appearance at the tournament. I eventually earned a full scholarship to Alabama State University, where I captained the football team in my second year—the first student to achieve that feat.

“I have since sponsored over 15 youth players to the United States, where they also secured full scholarships at various universities. Now that this programme is here, we will do our best to ensure young players benefit from similar opportunities.”

Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr Abdulakeem Shittu, expressed optimism about the initiative while urging sustainability.

“At LASUBEB, we are committed to the development and growth of our pupils. We have seen similar programmes in the past that showed promise but did not endure. We hope this initiative will be different,” he said.

Other former Nigeria internationals also attended the event, including Waidi Akanni, Michael Dominic, and Sunny Epochi.

Source Punch Ng

Posted April 20, 2026