Two promising Nigerian U-17 midfielders, Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen and Fawas Ayomide Adeleke of Buruj Sports Academy, have attracted scholarship interest in the United Kingdom following an impressive football trial.
The duo are now being considered for scholarship packages that will combine football development with further education in the UK.
Both players have represented Nigeria at various youth international levels and have also gained senior experience in Nigeria’s Nationwide League One, NLO.
Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen, born May 13, 2010, featured for Nigeria U-15 in a two-legged friendly against Morocco in 2024. He was also part of the team at the All African School Games in Algeria in 2025, and was later called up to the Nigeria U-17 squad for the four-nation international invitational tournament in China in 2026. He has also played in the NLO.
Fawas Ayomide Adeleke, born April 20, 2011, represented Nigeria U-15 against Morocco in 2024 and featured at the African Schools Football Championship in 2025. Like Raheem, he has played in the NLO despite his young age, gaining valuable senior-level exposure.
Following yesterday’s successful trial in the UK, both midfielders impressed the technical team with their performances.
Anthony Williams, MSc, Director of UK Football Trials, subsequently approached the players and their representatives regarding a potential scholarship opportunity.
Discussions are currently ongoing with the management of both players as arrangements are being considered for the proposed scholarships. The opportunity would enable them to continue their football development while pursuing education in the United Kingdom.
Both Raheem and Fawas have completed their secondary education in Nigeria and say they are eager to begin a new chapter in their careers.
Products of Buruj Sports Academy, the two youngsters said they are determined to maximize the opportunity, continue their development, and achieve their ambition of becoming professional footballers.
Their journey from youth international football in Nigeria, through the NLO, to attracting scholarship interest in the UK marks another significant step for two Nigerian talents determined to make their mark on the international stage.
