Pape Academy FC has completed the official signing and registration of its players in a landmark ceremony held at the club's base, witnessed under the banners of the Nigeria Football Federation and the Niger State Football Association.

One after another, the academy's young stars put pen to paper on official player agreements, formalising their status as registered players of Pape Football Academy — a significant milestone in the club's journey from grassroots academy to structured national league outfit.

The ceremony was presided over by the Founder and President, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso, whose leadership has driven the club's rapid professionalisation. The occasion came on the heels of his appointment by the Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, as Chairman of the Niger Tornadoes FC Management Committee — a recognition of his growing stature in Niger State football administration.

"Signing these boys officially is more than paperwork — it is a promise," Dr. Kuso said at the ceremony. "A promise that every player who wears the Pape Academy crest will be protected, developed, and given a genuine pathway to professional football. We are building this club on proper structures, and today is another proof of that commitment."

Each player was presented with his contract at a signing table flanked by club officials, before the traditional handshake and photographs in front of the academy's crest. The documents were countersigned by members of the Management Committee and will be lodged with the appropriate football authorities in line with NFF regulations.

The technical crew, led by Head Coach Aliyu Mohammed, believes the formalisation will lift the squad even further after an impressive first round in the NLO 2025/2026 Bida Centre, which the club finished with ten points from five matches — including three consecutive victories to close out the round.

With registration complete and the squad secured, Pape Academy FC now turns its full attention to preparations for the second round of the campaign, as the club continues its mission of creating pathways for Niger State's most talented young footballers.