Interview by Tolulope Oguntimehin

He’s one of Europe’s most traveled football agents — a man who has made Nigeria his second home and discovered some of the continent’s most promising talents. From the dusty pitches of Lafia to the bright lights of Europe, Mr. Sloboda believes the next global stars are growing right here in Africa.

In this exclusive chat, he opens up about his incredible discovery — 17-year-old Abdullah Mustapha Moyi — and why Nigeria remains a powerhouse of football potential.

Q: You’ve described Nigeria as a huge talent reservoir. What makes the country so special for you as a scout?

Sloboda: Nigeria is pure gold when it comes to football talent. The passion here is unmatched — from the streets to the schools, everyone plays football. You can feel it in the air. For me, Nigeria is not just a scouting destination; it’s a dreamland for discovering real, raw football gems.

Q: Let’s talk about your latest discovery — Mustapha Moyi. How did you find him?

Sloboda: (Smiles) That’s a beautiful story. It was my first scouting program in Lafia, Nasarawa. To be honest, the game was boring — nothing special — until I noticed this small boy wearing big yellow boots, maybe not even his size! But he stood out. He was just 13, playing against older boys, fearless, confident, and commanding the defense like a man. That day, I knew I had found something special.

Q: What happened after that first discovery?

Sloboda: “After discovering him at just 13, I told some of my partners to keep an eye on the boy and see if he could get a chance with Nigeria’s U-13 team. Then, I lost contact for a while.

Three years later, one of my local managers called me and said, ‘Boss, I think I’ve found your boy!’ He put me on a video call, and the moment I saw him, I said, ‘Yes, that’s him — don’t move, I’m coming to Nigeria!’ (laughs).

A few weeks later, I was on a plane to Nigeria — and the rest, as they say, is history.”

Q: That’s an incredible reunion. What was the next step for Mustapha?

Sloboda: I took him to dinner, we talked about his future, and I asked him to join my club, Tellectual Sloboda FC, in Delta State. I got his parents’ blessings, and we moved him there so I could personally monitor his progress. I treat him like my own son, and now he’s ready to fly — literally — to Serbia for trials.

Q: Why did you choose Serbia as his first European destination?

Sloboda: We had offers from clubs in Cyprus and Lithuania, but I chose Serbia because I can follow him closely there. It’s my country, I know the system, and it’s a perfect environment for a young player to develop step by step. He’s got the talent — now it’s time to transform that into something world-class.

Q: How would you describe Mustapha as a player and as a person?

Sloboda: Mustapha is everything you want in a young defender — energetic, hardworking, disciplined, and very coachable. He listens, he learns fast, and he’s passionate. Off the pitch, he’s humble and focused. He’s got that hunger you can’t teach — I believe he’ll go very far.

Q: You seem genuinely proud of him. Do you see him as a long-term project?

Sloboda: Absolutely! I’ve watched him grow since he was 13, and now he’s 17, ready for Europe. This is the transformation phase — new country, new challenges, new mindset. I always tell him: talent gets you noticed, but character keeps you going.

Q: Let’s talk about your work in Nigeria. What’s next for your club, Tellectual Sloboda FC?

Sloboda: We’re working hard for the January transfer window. I want to move about three to five of our best players to Europe. We’re also competing in two local tournaments right now, and my partner, Mr. Domero Tellectual, is doing a great job managing everything. Step by step, we’re building something big in Nigeria.

Q: Finally, what kind of players are you looking for — and how can young talents reach you?

Sloboda: I’m always looking for young, skillful players between 15 and 19 — left-footed centre-backs, left-backs, fast wingers, and powerful strikers. If you’ve got passion and discipline, that’s half the job done. Anyone can reach us on Facebook or Instagram — just search Football Club Tellectual Sloboda.

Q: Any final words for Mustapha as he leaves for Serbia?

Sloboda: (Smiles warmly) I just want him to remember where he started and to never lose that hunger. We began this journey together three years ago — now it’s time to finish it. The world is waiting for him.Nigeria Is a Goldmine of Talent” — Football Agent Sloboda on His Discovery of Young Star Mustapha Moyi

Interview by Tolulope Oguntimehin

He’s one of Europe’s most traveled football agents — a man who has made Nigeria his second home and unearthed some of the continent’s most promising talents. From the dusty pitches of Lafia to the bright lights of Europe, Mr. Sloboda believes the next global stars are growing right here in Africa.

In this exclusive chat, he opens up about his incredible discovery — 17-year-old Abdullah Mustapha Moyi — and why Nigeria remains a powerhouse of football potential.

Q: You’ve described Nigeria as a huge talent reservoir. What makes the country so special for you as a scout?

Sloboda: Nigeria is pure gold when it comes to football talent. The passion here is unmatched — from the streets to the schools, everyone plays football. You can feel it in the air. For me, Nigeria is not just a scouting destination; it’s a dreamland for discovering real, raw football gems.

Q: Let’s talk about your latest discovery — Mustapha Moyi. How did you find him?

Sloboda: (Smiles) That’s a beautiful story. It was my first scouting program in Lafia, Nasarawa. To be honest, the game was boring — nothing special — until I noticed this small boy wearing big yellow boots, maybe not even his size! But he stood out. He was just 13, playing against older boys, fearless, confident, and commanding the defense like a man. That day, I knew I had found something special.

Q: What happened after that first discovery?

Sloboda: We had some misunderstandings with our partners after the program, so everyone went their separate ways. But three years later, one of my local managers called and said, “Boss, I think I found your boy!” He put me on a video call, and when I saw him, I said, “Yes, that’s him — don’t move, I’m coming to Nigeria!” (laughs). A few weeks later, I flew down, and the rest is history.

Q: That’s an incredible reunion. What was the next step for Mustapha?

Sloboda: I took him to dinner, we talked about his future, and I asked him to join my club, Tellectual Sloboda FC, in Delta State. I got his parents’ blessings, and we moved him there so I could personally monitor his progress. I treat him like my own son, and now he’s ready to fly — literally — to Serbia for trials.

Q: Why did you choose Serbia as his first European destination?

Sloboda: We had offers from clubs in Cyprus and Lithuania, but I chose Serbia because I can follow him closely there. It’s my country, I know the system, and it’s a perfect environment for a young player to develop step by step. He’s got the talent — now it’s time to transform that into something world-class.

Q: How would you describe Mustapha as a player and as a person?

Sloboda: Mustapha is everything you want in a young defender — energetic, hardworking, disciplined, and very coachable. He listens, he learns fast, and he’s passionate. Off the pitch, he’s humble and focused. He’s got that hunger you can’t teach — I believe he’ll go very far.

Q: You seem genuinely proud of him. Do you see him as a long-term project?

Sloboda: Absolutely! I’ve watched him grow since he was 13, and now he’s 17, ready for Europe. This is the transformation phase — new country, new challenges, new mindset. I always tell him: talent gets you noticed, but character keeps you going.

Q: Let’s talk about your work in Nigeria. What’s next for your club, Tellectual Sloboda FC?

Sloboda: We’re working hard for the January transfer window. I want to move about three to five of our best players to Europe. We’re also competing in two local tournaments right now, and my partner, Mr. Domero Tellectual, is doing a great job managing everything. Step by step, we’re building something big in Nigeria.

Q: Finally, what kind of players are you looking for — and how can young talents reach you?

Sloboda: I’m always looking for young, skillful players between 15 and 19 — left-footed centre-backs, left-backs, fast wingers, and powerful strikers. If you’ve got passion and discipline, that’s half the job done. Anyone can reach us on Facebook or Instagram — just search Football Club Tellectual Sloboda.

Q: Any final words for Mustapha as he leaves for Serbia?

Sloboda: (Smiles warmly) I just want him to remember where he started and to never lose that hunger. We began this journey together three years ago — now it’s time to finish it. The world is waiting for him.