Nigeria Drone Soccer League to Launch in 2027 with 740 Athletes

The Nigeria Drone Soccer League (NDSL) is preparing for its inaugural season in 2027, aiming to involve approximately 740 young athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The league's President, Sam Gadi, announced the commencement of a nationwide screening exercise in Abuja, where prospective athletes are being assessed to determine their eligibility to represent their states.

Each of the 37 teams will consist of 20 cadet athletes, selected based on a structured assessment process that includes an aptitude test, a statement of purpose, and a complex coordination test. Gadi emphasized that only the highest-scoring candidates will be chosen.

The league will operate across six conferences aligned with Nigeria's geopolitical zones, with additional combines planned, such as one in Gombe for the North-East Conference. Lieutenant Coopwood, the Chief Executive Officer of NDSL, described drone soccer as a platform for promoting STEM education, highlighting its potential to develop teamwork, discipline, and technical skills among participants.