Nationwide League One club, Magic Stars FC is set to participate in the 75th edition of the Viareggio Youth Tournament, scheduled to take place from March 17 to March 31.
The 32-man Magic Stars contingent departed Nigeria on Friday night in batches, flying from Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard Air France and KLM flights to Rome.
Mr Kayode Agboola, the president of the Lagos-based club, shared in a media chat, “The last three years have been a learning experience for us at Magic Stars. Notably, 2024 was a remarkable season for the club.
“Our successes could not have been achieved without the tireless efforts of everyone involved. However, as a club aspiring to be among the premier talent incubators for clubs in Europe and Asia, Magic Stars will be making its debut in the Viareggio Youth Tournament.
“The Viareggio Youth Tournament is an event that should not be underestimated; it’s a chance to showcase the immense talent we have groomed at Magic Stars.”
Agboola added, “It will provide our players with a unique opportunity to gain international football experience. We are confident that the promising young talents we have carefully selected for this trip will attract the interest of numerous European club scouts, as the tournament will feature competitive matches against high-quality opponents.”
Director of Sports Issac Iseoluwa Oluwatobi noted that final training sessions intensified in Ijebu-Ode, with the players focused on one goal: to push their limits and perform at their best.
“The Viareggio tournament is a dream for our players. It’s a chance for them to demonstrate their talent against the best and to honour Magic Stars and, by extension, Nigeria.”
Magic Stars have been drawn into Group C featuring Casarano FC (Italy), APIA Leichhardt FC (Sydney, Australia) and Sassuolo FC (Italy).
