Bashir Rufai, representing newly admitted Gaiters FC, says the club’s entry into The Creative Championship (TCC) is a major step in its ambition to become one of Nigeria’s leading football talent factories.
Speaking exclusively to Sports247 at the media parley ahead of the 2026/27 TCC season, Rufai said Gaiters, founded in January 2025, chose the TCC because of its emphasis on standards, competitive football and player development.
“For a young club just started in January 2025, the idea is if the talent is there, let’s push the kids immediately. There’s no point keeping them waiting if they have the ability and they are ready to do it.”
Gaiters have previously competed in the Nigeria National League One (NLO) and the FA Cup, but Rufai believes the TCC provides the right environment for the club’s young players to develop and gain exposure.
He said the club also hopes TCC can attract scouts and corporate partners capable of supporting the long-term development of its players and coaches.
“We believe that the TCC will put us on that platform where our talents will attract good eyes and then we would also be able to attract corporate bodies that will help us finance the continuous development.”
Rufai stressed that Gaiters’ philosophy extends beyond football, with players encouraged to pursue education, technology and languages alongside their sporting careers.
“It’s not just football. We ensure that the minimum any player in our team has is to first have their WAEC.”
The club’s immediate ambition is straightforward: progress from the TCC Cup group stage, impress the fans and management, and earn permanent admission into the league.
“We are the babies of the house, but we have a lot to show on the pitch.”
For Gaiters, Rufai believes achieving those objectives would confirm that the club has taken the right step towards building a sustainable football development programme in Nigeria.
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