By 2021, CK Gefane FC’s youth development program had gained considerable attention. The club’s reputation for producing high-level talent spread beyond Kaduna and even Nigeria, attracting scouts from European and Middle Eastern clubs to the team’s training grounds.

The Visit of International Scouts

In mid-2021, a scout from FC Porto in Portugal visited CK Gefane FC to evaluate the players. The visit was a defining moment for the club, as it confirmed that CK Gefane FC was on the map for international talent. The scout’s visit included individual player evaluations and discussions with the coaching staff about the potential of several standout players, including Olatunde-Matthew Oladotun, Musa Ibrahim, and Emmanuel Okafor.

Opportunities for Young Players

For the players, the prospect of being scouted by international teams was an exciting opportunity, and many worked harder than ever to impress. The arrival of international scouts gave CK Gefane FC a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, knowing that their players had the potential to play at the highest levels of European football.

Player Testimony (Musa Ibrahim):

“Having scouts visit us was a huge deal for us. It made me believe that if I kept working hard, I could one day play in Europe. It was also motivating to see other players work hard to get noticed.”

Building a Pathway for International Opportunities

CK Gefane FC, now with a reputation for developing talent, began to create formal pathways for international exposure. The club signed a partnership agreement with an international football agency to help guide players through the scouting and transfer process. This partnership allowed the club’s players to gain more visibility with professional teams and learn about the process of transitioning to higher levels of competition.

Impact on CK Gefane FC's Future

The visit of international scouts marked the beginning of CK Gefane FC's wider aspirations for international growth. The club's ability to produce high-caliber players, combined with a strong player management system, ensured that they would continue to be a destination for international scouts looking for emerging talent in Africa.