Gambian youngster Ebou Sama has earned an important opportunity to showcase his talent after securing a trial with English Premier League side Nottingham Forest’s academy, where he will be assessed between now and January 2026, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
If successful, the forward could seal a move during the upcoming winter transfer window from Steve Biko FC.
The trial marks a significant step for the promising attacker, whose performances in recent months have drawn increasing attention from scouts and agents monitoring emerging Gambian talent.
According to Baboucarr Sey, a scout and member of the agency representing Sama, the player’s rise has been driven by consistency, discipline, and a strong developmental trajectory.
“As a scout working with Cherno Samba, I follow young talents across the country and send detailed reports to him. Ebou has been consistent for months, so I highlighted his progress and potential. After Cherno reviewed my reports and shared them with Nottingham Forest, the club showed interest, which helped us secure this trial,” Sey explained in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa.
View this post on Instagram
Sey described Sama as a player well-suited for modern football, noting his pace, aggression, and coachable abilities.
“Ebou is a quick, aggressive, and hardworking modern forward. He’s a coachable player with a strong mentality. If he performs the way he has been training recently, he definitely has a chance to convince Forest,” he added.
The trial also reflects a growing pathway for Gambian footballers aiming to break through in Europe. Sey pointed to the success of Lamin Sillah, who joined Nottingham Forest last year and continues to impress within the club’s setup.
“It shows growing trust. Last year we sent Lamin Sillah, and he’s doing well at Forest. His success opened the door for Ebou, and now Ebou’s opportunity will hopefully open doors for more Gambian talents. It’s a positive sign for Gambian football,” Sey concluded.
Sama’s trial will be closely watched by Gambian football followers, as another potential breakthrough in Europe could further boost the reputation of The Gambia’s emerging academy and grassroots systems.
