Young Nigerian footballers train with Saints in week-long academy camp

The players, from under-10 to under-16, travelled to Hampshire through a partnership with TNUK, with the trip supported by their local government.

For the vast majority of the youngsters, the seven-night camp represented their first journey outside Nigeria and their first time travelling by plane.

The players received daily coaching, workshops and analysis sessions while being given an insight into life at Saints and the workings of the academy.

They also played four matches against local opposition, including Saints affiliate AFC Stoneham and Monksbrook, winning at each age group.

Matches against Stoneham and Monksbrook were staged at Staplewood, while the under-16s also faced Monksbrook at non-league Sholing's ground.

Saints winger Sam Edozie, whose father is Nigerian, also met the group during their visit and posed for photographs with the keen youngsters.

Tom Grevatt, Saints head of football programmes, said: "The real value of experiences like this is the opportunity to broaden a young player’s understanding of the game.

"For the players from Nigeria, being able to spend time within the Southampton FC environment and gain an insight into how we work, while also stepping outside of that environment to test themselves against local opposition, has provided a really valuable learning experience.

"The fixtures against AFC Stoneham and Monksbrook were an important part of that. Playing against teams from a different footballing environment gives the players the chance to adapt, compete and experience different challenges, while the time spent with our coaches and staff has given them an insight into the standards and expectations within the club.

"What has stood out throughout the week is the players’ enthusiasm to learn and challenge themselves. They have embraced every part of the experience and that is exactly what we want our international partnerships to create – meaningful experiences that support player development while building lasting connections through football."

A total of 73 people travelled from Nigeria for the programme, which forms part of the club's work with international academy partners.

The visitors were given a tour of St Mary's, where the Saints first team play, and stayed at the Village Hotel during their week on the south coast.