How to Write a Football CV as a Young Nigerian Player

Most young Nigerian footballers have never heard of a football CV. And the ones who have heard of it assume it is something only professional players need, or something too complicated to put together without help. Both assumptions are wrong.

A football CV is simply a document that introduces you as a player to a coach, academy, or scout who does not know you yet. It answers the basic questions any serious football decision-maker will ask before giving you an opportunity — who are you, what position do you play, where have you played before, and why should we look at you.

In a country where many talented players are overlooked simply because the right people never got to see them, a well-written football CV gives you a way to put yourself in front of those people without waiting for them to find you. It is one of the simplest and most underused tools available to young Nigerian footballers today.

What a Football CV Is Not

Before getting into what to include, it is worth being clear about what a football CV is not. It is not a place to exaggerate. It is not a place to list achievements you do not have or clubs you never actually played for.

Coaches and academy directors in Nigeria’s football community often know each other, and a CV that contains false information will damage your reputation far more than a simple, honest document ever could.

It is also not a school CV or a job application. You do not need formal language, long paragraphs, or academic qualifications unless those qualifications are directly relevant. A football CV should be clean, simple, and easy to read in under two minutes.

What to Include

Personal Information Start with your full name, date of birth, nationality, state of origin, height, weight, and dominant foot. Include a contact number and email address — or your parent or guardian’s contact if you are under 18. This section should be at the very top of the document and should take up no more than a few lines.

Position and Playing Style State your primary position clearly. If you can play more than one position comfortably, you can mention that, but lead with your best and most natural position. Add two or three sentences describing how you play — your strengths, your style, what you bring to a team. Keep this honest and specific. “I am a central midfielder who presses hard, reads the game well, and distributes the ball simply and effectively” tells a coach far more than “I am a hardworking and passionate footballer.”

Football Experience List the clubs, academies, school teams, and community teams you have played for, starting with the most recent. For each, include the name of the team, the years you were there, and the level of competition you were playing at. If you have played in any organised state or national competitions, include those here. Do not worry if this list is short — coaches understand that young players are still building their experience. Honesty about your level is more valuable than a padded list.

Achievements and Highlights If you have won any competitions, been selected for any representative teams, received any awards, or had any notable performances that can be verified, include them here. Again, keep it honest. A single genuine achievement carries more weight than five invented ones.

Physical Attributes Some coaches appreciate a brief section on your physical profile — your pace, your strength, your stamina level, and any athletic testing results you have if available. This section is optional but can be useful if your physical qualities are a particular strength.

References Include the name and contact details of at least one coach or football figure who can speak to your ability and character. This could be a school coach, a community team coach, or a trainer you have worked with consistently. Ask their permission before including them. A reference from a respected coach in your area adds significant credibility to your CV.

How to Format It

Keep the entire document to one page if possible. Use a clean, readable font. Organise the sections clearly with simple headings. Avoid decorative borders, excessive colours, or anything that makes the document harder to read. A simple, well-organised one-page document looks more professional than a cluttered two-page one.

If you do not have access to a computer, you can create a clean handwritten version on plain paper. The content matters more than the format. A handwritten CV that is honest, clear, and complete will still do its job.

Adding a Photo

Include a recent, clear photograph of yourself at the top of the CV — ideally in your football kit. The photo should be well-lit and show your face clearly. Avoid casual photos or images taken from a distance. This gives the coach or scout an immediate visual connection to the player they are reading about.

How to Use Your Football CV

Once your CV is ready, use it actively. Bring printed copies to every trial you attend and hand them to the coaches running the session. Send it by email or WhatsApp to academies you want to approach, along with a brief polite message introducing yourself. Share it with coaches who know you and ask them to pass it along to anyone who might be looking for a player in your position.

A football CV sitting on your phone unsent will not open any doors. The players who benefit from having one are the players who actually put it in front of the right people.

One Final Thing

Update your CV regularly. Every time you join a new team, win something, or have a significant experience worth noting, update the document. An outdated CV with old information can create confusion or give the wrong impression of where you currently are in your development.

Your football CV is a living document. Treat it that way and it will serve you well throughout your playing career.

Written for Findin.com.ng | Player Guides