As CK Gefane FC continued its rise on the national and international stage, the club's leadership recognized the need for its players to experience international-level training to sharpen their skills. In 2024, the club took a significant step in preparing its young talent for global competition by organizing its first overseas training camp in Spain.

Why Spain?

The decision to host the training camp in Spain was deliberate. Spain is renowned for its footballing culture, producing some of the world’s top players and teams. The country’s elite football academies and professional clubs offered CK Gefane FC players an opportunity to train in world-class facilities, learn from expert coaches, and compete against some of the best young talent in Europe.

Coach Abiola Adeyemi’s Reflection:

“The overseas training camp was a game-changer for the players. It exposed them to different styles of football and raised their level of play. Training with top players from Spain, learning from some of the best coaches, and competing at a high level was invaluable for their development.”

Training Camp Highlights

The camp was held in Madrid, where CK Gefane FC’s academy players trained at one of the city's premier facilities. The camp focused on several aspects of football, including technical skills, tactical awareness, fitness, and mental conditioning.

One of the standout moments of the camp was a friendly match against a Spanish youth team, where Abubakar Danjuma scored the winning goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory. This moment not only demonstrated his individual skills but also showcased the potential of CK Gefane FC's academy players to compete at the highest levels.

Abubakar Danjuma’s Testimony:

“The training camp in Spain was a huge learning experience. The quality of the facilities and the coaching was something I had never experienced before. It made me realize how much more I need to improve, and it gave me the motivation to push myself even harder.”

Coaching Clinics and Cultural Exchange

Aside from the training sessions, the players participated in coaching clinics, where they learned from some of Spain’s top youth coaches. These clinics focused on modern football tactics, such as pressing, possession-based play, and positional awareness.

The camp also served as a cultural exchange. Players had the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, tour iconic football stadiums, and learn about the history of Spanish football. For many of the players, it was the first time they had traveled internationally, and the experience helped broaden their horizons.

The Legacy of the Training Camp

The overseas training camp in Spain was an important milestone in CK Gefane FC’s development. It demonstrated the club’s commitment to providing its players with international exposure and high-level training. The lessons learned during this camp were carried back to Nigeria, where the players incorporated what they had learned into their training at CK Gefane FC.

This experience not only benefited the players but also had a long-lasting impact on the coaching staff. It gave them insights into modern coaching techniques and provided them with new strategies to improve the team’s performance.

Mrs. Akadri Bilikisu Blessing’s Reflection:

“The overseas training camp was an investment in our players’ futures. It helped them become better athletes and better individuals. We hope to continue organizing similar opportunities for our players, as these experiences are essential in developing well-rounded footballers.”