By Peter Onyekachukwu 
……ACT Sports Kicks Off Football Showcase in Italy
By Peter Onyekachukwu
A team of young Nigerian footballers from ACT Sports Di Oyibo Football Academy has landed in Milan, Italy, to kick off their 2025 European football development tour, under a strategic partnership with top Italian club Torino FC.
The tour, which began with a training session led by Nigerian coach Ebeagwu Gabriel Owen and ACT Sports President, Samuel R. Oyibo, marks a new chapter in the academy’s mission to expose its players to global opportunities.
“The future of football in Nigeria lies in our youth. This tour is a huge step toward bridging local talent with international exposure,” Oyibo said during the first training session.
The ACT Sports team was warmly received with refreshments and support by the academy’s secretary and Italian translator, Maria G. Di Blasi, who has been instrumental in ensuring smooth communication and logistics for the team abroad.
As part of the tour, the young players will receive further training from Davide and other certified coaches from Torino FC, in line with the technical exchange agreement between both academies.
“We are not just here to train; we are here to show that Nigerian talent can compete anywhere in the world,” Coach Gabriel Owen added.
The academy’s visit also includes attending Italian Serie A matches to deepen the players’ understanding of top-level football. The team has already watched the thrilling encounter between Torino FC and AS Roma, giving them a taste of elite European football.
ACT Sports is scheduled to play friendly matches organized by Torino FC Academy technical team against Mocchetti on May 27, Novara on May 29, and Mangenta on May 31, 2025. These matches will serve as opportunities for scouts, coaches, sports directors,agents, etc…to assess the talent from Nigeria and for the players to gain valuable international experience.
The academy leadership has called on Nigerians at home and abroad to support the initiative. “We need your prayers and support to keep this vision alive. These boys are ambassadors of Nigeria, and we are proud of them,” said Oyibo.
The tour is part of ACT Sports’ long-term strategy to build a bridge between grassroots football in Nigeria and professional opportunities abroad through strong international affiliations.