Drogba advocates improved scouting systems to discover African talents at CANEX 2026

By Damilola Akinwale –

African football legend, Didier Drogba, has called for improved scouting infrastructure and the use of data to identify and nurture emerging African talents.

Drogba made the call while speaking at a session titled “When Giants Speak: The Business of the Game” at the ongoing Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026 in Lagos.

The former Chelsea player and founder of the Didier Drogba Foundation advocated long-term solutions to African football’s structural challenges, stressing the need for sustained commitment, adequate funding and professional discipline.

He also emphasised the importance of supporting local clubs and managers, warning that building stadiums without sustainable management structures and proper maintenance would undermine their long-term value.

Addressing emerging footballers who often fall victim to fraudulent agents, Drogba urged them to conduct proper checks before entering into agreements. He also advised them to seek education to understand the terms of their deals, stressing that talent alone was not enough.

“It is not enough to be talented; be educated so that you can stay informed. Visit the office of the federation and verify the agent before payment,” he warned.

Western Post reports that Drogba arrived in Lagos ahead of Sunday’s Legends Football Game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, organised by Toptier Sports Management in partnership with Afreximbank and CANEX to mark 30 years since Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph and Olympic football gold medal victory.

The event will feature Nigerian legends Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George and others, alongside African stars Emmanuel Adebayor, El-Hadji Diouf, Stephen Appiah, Didier Zokora and Rigobert Song. A celebrity match, a football clinic for 500 young players and special recognition for African football heroes will also feature in the programme. The main match kicks off at 5:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on NTA, AIT and Silverbird Television.