No less than 120 Nigerian youths are set to compete in international tournaments across Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain in June as part of CitySports Africa’s Global Sports Programme.
The young athletes will fly the nation’s flag in Stuttgart, Germany; Dubai, UAE; and Barcelona, Spain, for football, swimming, and basketball competitions, respectively, under the 2025 edition of the Global Sports Programme.
Speaking at a press briefing at the organisation’s Lagos headquarters, CitySports Africa Chief Executive Officer, Shola Opaleye, said the programme serves as a gateway for young players to gain international exposure and compete with peers across borders.
“When we launched the Global Sports Program, the mission was simple: put young talents on a path to global recognition. Fast forward 13 international trips later, and we’ve seen how these experiences build confidence, unlock opportunities, and shape future champions,” Opaleye said.
The football tournament, the Schwabenland Cup, will be held in Stuttgart, Germany, from June 6-8, featuring players in the U9, U12, and U15 categories. The competition features over 120 teams from across Europe, guaranteeing each team at least six matches.
For swimming, Nigerian athletes aged 7-17 will compete at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai from June 14-15, joining over 800 swimmers from different countries in butterfly, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and relay events.
The basketball tournament will take place in Barcelona, Spain, from June 27-29, with CitySports fielding teams in U12 boys and girls, and U16 boys and girls categories at the Barcelona Basketball Cup.
Football coach Bamidele Nurudeen said the teams train four times weekly with focused training regimens to develop speed, stamina, and endurance ahead of the competitions.
Swimming coach Kolawole Ogunsemore emphasised the character-building aspect of international competition, saying, “It’s not just about winning; it’s about building character and instilling in the athletes the leadership and exemplary traits that set them apart from others.”
CitySports Africa, established in 2019, aims to impact 10 million youths by 2035 through its various sports development programmes for children aged 4-22.
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