A strong contingent of Ozalla Football Academy landed in the ancient city of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, in the early hours of Thursday, 3 October, 2024, ahead the 2024 N-Youth League Cup U19 Playoffs, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Checks reveal that the ambitious side, which won the 2023 Anambra FA Cup, had originally planned to depart their base at Awada, Obosi, near Onitsha, for the tournament on Thursday morning. But a slight adjustment in program by the organisers, NLO, ensured they too, altered their own tran plans by leaving on Wednesday.

"We're already here in Ijebu Ode", Proprietor and Sole financier of the academy, Ikenna Osueke, told Exclusivenews.com.ng Thursday afternoon.

"We received correspondence from the organisers that screening of players will hold on Thursday 9am--4pm so we had to alter our earlier travel arrangement.

"The screening exercise will be supervised by NLO Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Okunnowo".

Ozalla registered 25 players for the playoffs which has no fewer than 12 teams participating. Interestingly, the coach Felix Aguguom youngsters looked primed for the skies during their Wednesday's morning training before departure.

"This tournament serves as a veritable platform for you to put your talents, skills and potentials up for the World to see", Osueke admonished his players.

Interestingly, there huge confidence in the players given their faces during the 'after-training-family-talk'.

Organisers of the playoffs, NLO, in conjunction with their partners have 'imported' Pedro Taborda 
to play the role of Director of Club’s Partnerships, during the playoffs.

"Pedro Taborda brings a strong knowledge of the game and a keen sense of purpose to the role. With extensive knowledge of the quality of Nigerian players, with knowledge of the needs of European clubs, Pedro is expected to scout for young Nigerian talents during the playoffs".