In a significant boost for Nigerian grassroots football, English Premier League side Nottingham Forest has welcomed three promising young players from Unicorns Football Club of Ilorin for a two-week trial at their City Ground facilities. The trio—left winger Olamide Sunday Olasehinde, central defender Sulyman Kehinde Quadri, and midfielder Sanni Sukanmi Adebayo—arrived in the United Kingdom in April 2025, carrying the hopes of their club and country as they aim to secure a place with the high-flying EPL outfit. This opportunity marks a pivotal moment for Nigerian football, showcasing the growing global interest in the nation’s abundant talent pool.
A Golden Opportunity with a UEFA Champions League Contender
Nottingham Forest, currently enjoying a remarkable 2024-2025 season with a sixth place standing and a game in hand in the Premier League and 60 points as of April 29, 2025, is a club on the rise. Under the guidance of manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the Reds have defied expectations, positioning themselves as contenders for UEFA Champions League qualification. The club’s decision to invite Olasehinde, Quadri, and Adebayo for trials reflects their commitment to scouting and nurturing young talent from diverse regions, with Nigeria’s vibrant football scene firmly in their sights.
The two-week trial, which commenced in late April 2025, provides the Nigerian youngsters with a platform to showcase their skills to Forest’s coaching staff. Accompanied by Unicorns FC’s team secretary, Suleiman Atunrase, the players are supported to focus entirely on their performances, free from logistical distractions. This structured approach underscores the professionalism of both Nottingham Forest and Unicorns FC in fostering emerging talent.
Unicorns FC: A Breeding Ground for Nigerian Stars
Unicorns Football Club, based in Ilorin, Kwara State, has emerged as a powerhouse in Nigerian grassroots football, dedicated to identifying and developing young players with global potential. Led by CEO Victor Awoniyi—brother of Nottingham Forest’s Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi—the club has built a reputation for facilitating international opportunities for its players. Over the past year alone, Unicorns FC has successfully sent at least nine players abroad, a testament to their robust scouting and development programs.
Victor Awoniyi expressed his enthusiasm for the trials, stating, “This is a great chance for the boys, and we hope to keep giving young players in Nigeria the platform to shine.” He emphasized the club’s mission to showcase Nigeria’s rich football talent on the global stage, with the trials at Nottingham Forest serving as a landmark achievement in this journey. The connection to Taiwo Awoniyi, a key figure in Forest’s attacking line, adds a layer of significance to the trials, as the striker has publicly celebrated the opportunity for his compatriots to follow in his footsteps.
Meet the Trio: Nigeria’s Rising Stars
Olamide Sunday Olasehinde (Left Winger): Known for his pace, flair, and ability to take on defenders, Olasehinde is a dynamic winger with an eye for goal. His versatility and attacking instincts make him a potential fit for Forest’s high-intensity style of play.
Sulyman Kehinde Quadri (Central Defender): A commanding presence at the heart of the defense, Quadri combines physicality with composure on the ball. His ability to read the game and contribute to build-up play aligns with modern defensive demands.
Sanni Sukanmi Adebayo (Midfielder): A versatile midfielder with a strong work rate, Adebayo brings energy and creativity to the center of the park. His vision and passing range could complement Forest’s midfield dynamics.
Each player brings a unique skill set, and their performances during the trial will be closely monitored as they aim to earn contracts with the Premier League club.
A Broader Trend in Nigerian Football
The trials are part of a growing trend of Nigerian players making their mark in European football. Nottingham Forest already boasts two Nigerian stars in their ranks—Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina—who have been instrumental in the club’s success this season. Awoniyi, who scored his first Premier League goal of the campaign in a 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2025, has spoken passionately about the importance of representing Nigeria on the global stage. Similarly, Aina, a versatile full-back, has earned praise for his performances, with former Manchester United star Anthony Elanga tipping him for a place in the Premier League Team of the Season.
The presence of Awoniyi and Aina at Forest provides a cultural and professional bridge for Olasehinde, Quadri, and Adebayo, offering mentorship and inspiration as they navigate the challenges of a Premier League trial. This connection also highlights the increasing influence of Nigerian players in the EPL, with stars like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman making headlines across Europe.
Stakeholder Impact: A Win for Nigerian Football
For stakeholders in Nigerian football—from grassroots clubs to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)—this development is a cause for celebration. Unicorns FC’s success in securing trials for its players validates the importance of investing in youth academies and scouting networks. It also underscores the potential for partnerships between Nigerian clubs and European giants, creating pathways for talent to flow seamlessly to top leagues.
The trials also carry broader implications for Nigeria’s football ecosystem. As Victor Awoniyi noted, showcasing Nigerian talent globally can inspire a new generation of players and attract further investment in grassroots infrastructure. For Nottingham Forest, the trials align with their strategy of building a diverse, competitive squad capable of sustaining their Premier League ambitions.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake?
As Olasehinde, Quadri, and Adebayo undergo their trials, the football world will be watching closely. A successful trial could lead to professional contracts, propelling the trio into the spotlight and reinforcing Unicorns FC’s status as a talent factory. For Nottingham Forest, securing these young players could bolster their squad depth and add a fresh dimension to their campaign.
The trials also serve as a reminder of the global reach of the Premier League and its role in transforming lives. For three young men from Ilorin, this two-week period in April 2025 could be the start of an extraordinary journey—one that carries the dreams of their families, their club, and a nation passionate about football.
