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Former Stationery Stores midfielder Excel Ani draws eyes of top foreign scouts, eyes Flying Eagles spot

Excel Ani, a promising Nigerian midfielder who rose through the ranks of grassroots football, is drawing interest from top foreign scouts.

Recognized for his agility and ball-playing proficiency, Ani has left an impression with his stellar performances at both Yafa Football Academy in Abuja and, more recently, Stationery Stores FC in Lagos.

Born in Enugu, Ani’s journey commenced at Yafa, where he refined his skills and developed a distinctive playing style. His talent garnered notice during the Apex Football Competition in Abuja, where he showcased commanding performances.

This led to a successful trial with Stationery Stores, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most esteemed clubs.

Since joining Stationery Stores in the 2021/2022 season, the 18-year-old midfielder has impressed observers with his ability to disrupt play and seamlessly connect defense to attack.

His style of play has drawn comparisons to former Spanish national team captain Sergio Busquets, attributed to his intelligence and tactical awareness on the field.

Speaking to Made In Africa Sport, Ani justified the comparison to the Barcelona legend, stating, “I’ve been compared to Sergio Busquets by many people because my ability to read and create good options to receive the ball is what I have in common with him, which is also my biggest strength and weakness as a player.”

Addressing the pressure of playing for a club like Stationery Stores, Ani remarked, “I was one of the youngest in the team. It wasn’t easy for me; there was serious pressure.”

“As they say, talent alone isn’t enough; I had to work harder to improve my game so I could be exceptional in my position. I faced many failures, but the most important thing was that I learned from my mistakes and confronted my fears.”

“I am training harder than before, twice every day,” Ani said, narrating his approach to enhancing his game over the past year. “I am working more on my weaknesses to perfect my game. I dedicate time to watch my mentors who play the same positions at a higher level, trying to learn from the best players.”

As top foreign scouts closely monitor his progress and express eagerness to tap into his potential, this aligns with Ani’s ambition to transcend local borders and reach the pinnacle of football.

“My personal ambition is to play at the highest level. I believe in the nearest future; I am going to cement a spot for myself in the Flying Eagles and senior national team,” he concluded.

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