Connect with us

Featured

Kadiri Ikhana Unveils Big Plans Ahead of Football Academy Launch

Published

3 weeks ago

on

Veteran Nigerian coach Kadiri Ikhana has revealed ambitious plans to nurture young football talents ahead of the launch of his football academy in Auchi, Edo State.

READ ALSO: Olopade Explains Rationale Behind Cash Gifts For Secondary School Students

The former Enyimba FC coach confirmed that preparations are in top gear for the official unveiling of the academy scheduled for March 28, 2026, noting that the initiative is designed to develop young players and help them build professional careers in football.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Ikhana said the academy would focus on grassroots development, with the goal of identifying and grooming talented youngsters who could eventually represent clubs and the national team.

“We are getting on with the plan. We intend to launch the academy on the 28th of this month and preparations are ongoing,” Ikhana said.

According to the experienced tactician, the academy is primarily aimed at providing a structured pathway for young footballers to grow technically and professionally.

“Our focus is to develop the youth and give them opportunities in football. We believe we will be able to contribute to the development of the nation and also produce players that can represent clubs and the country,” he added.

Ikhana also disclosed that several friends and prominent personalities are supporting the project, although he declined to reveal their identities until the academy is officially launched.

“I have the support of friends and some dignitaries, but I would prefer not to mention their names for now. When the academy is launched and they are present, people will see their involvement,” he said.

The former national team coach insisted that Nigeria remains blessed with football talent, stressing that the academy would help rediscover and properly develop such players.

“There are talents everywhere in Nigeria.

We have had players from different parts of the country who have represented clubs and the national team with distinction. We believe that from this academy we will also produce players who will represent clubs and the country.”

On the structure of the academy, Ikhana revealed that it would initially focus on younger age groups, particularly Under-13 and Under-16 players, whom he believes are easier to groom and develop.

“We are concentrating mainly on Under-13 and Under-16 players. At that stage, it is easier to teach and mould them properly. When players are older, they already have certain habits which can be difficult to change,” he explained.

The academy is expected to serve as a platform for nurturing grassroots talent while also contributing to the overall growth of Nigerian football.

Ikhana, a respected figure in Nigerian football, enjoyed a distinguished coaching career and famously led Enyimba to continental success in 2003 cementing his place among the country’s most accomplished coaches.

/* <![CDATA[ */
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;

c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";

c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");

try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}

a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */

The post Kadiri Ikhana Unveils Big Plans Ahead of Football Academy Launch appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured

Clear Intent’ Ikorodu City Coach Ozegbagbe Salutes Team Spirit After Hard Fought Win Over Warri Wolves in Lagos 

Published

5 hours ago

on

March 31, 2026

By

Head coach Bright Ozegbagbe has praised his team’s resilience and mentality following Ikorodu City FC’s dramatic 4–3 victory over Warri Wolves FC in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 32 clash.

The pulsating encounter, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday, March 29, 2026, delivered seven goals in an end-to-end contest that showcased attacking quality from both sides.

Reacting after the match, Ozegbagbe took to social media to celebrate his team’s performance, highlighting their determination and belief:

“Emphatic win at the arena .Statement performance. Strong mentality. Clear intent.

The belief stays alive, till the very end, till the final whistle. ” Ozegbagbe wrote .

Ikorodu City made a fast start, with Abayomi Ayodeji netting twice (8’, 42’) to set the tone. Joseph Arumala added another in the 24th minute, while Tosin Oyedokun struck in the 54th minute to complete the hosts’ tally.

Warri Wolves responded through C. Orji (26’) and a brace from I. Evwierhurhoma (52’ penalty, 90’), but fell just short in a fiercely contested tie.

Arumala’s goal proved significant, as the forward moved into a tie for the NPFL top scorer chart with 11 goals this season—further underlining his importance to Ikorodu City’s campaign.

The victory marks Ikorodu City’s 14th win of the season and lifts them to third place on 52 points, keeping them firmly in contention for a continental qualification spot behind leaders Rivers United and second-placed Enugu Rangers on 55 and 54 points respectively.

Warri Wolves, meanwhile, remain 13th on 40 points as they continue their push for a stronger finish in the league.

Ikorodu City’s spirited display and late-game composure reflect a side growing in confidence, something their coach believes could prove decisive as the season approaches its climax.

/* <![CDATA[ */
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;

c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";

c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");

try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}

a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */

The post Clear Intent’ Ikorodu City Coach Ozegbagbe Salutes Team Spirit After Hard Fought Win Over Warri Wolves in Lagos  appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Featured

NPFL: Bendel Insurance, Boboye Fined; Home Matches to Be Played Behind Closed Doors

Published

5 hours ago

on

March 31, 2026

By

Bendel Insurance have been sanctioned for multiple breaches of the NPFL Framework and Rules following their Matchday 32 fixture against Plateau United on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

READ ALSO: J200 Champion Ogunsakin Climbs 18 Steps up to Career-High Ranking, Begins J300 Cairo Campaign

According to the league authorities, the Benin City club failed to provide adequate and effective security during the match, which led to unauthorized individuals gaining access to restricted areas.

The club’s supporters were also found guilty of displaying unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

In addition, fans reportedly harassed match officials and failed to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

Head coach Kennedy Boboye was also cited for gross misconduct towards a match official, an act deemed contrary to the principles of fair play and discipline.

As part of the sanctions, Bendel Insurance were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate security and an additional ₦1 million for supporters’ misconduct.

The club will also pay ₦2 million for holding match officials hostage for approximately 40 minutes after the game.

Boboye has been fined ₦2 million and handed a 17-match suspension for his actions.

Furthermore, Bendel Insurance will play their next three home matches behind closed doors as part of the disciplinary measures imposed by the NPFL.

/* <![CDATA[ */
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;

c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";

c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");

try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}

a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */

The post NPFL: Bendel Insurance, Boboye Fined; Home Matches to Be Played Behind Closed Doors appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Featured

J200 Champion Ogunsakin Climbs 18 Steps up to Career-High Ranking, Begins J300 Cairo Campaign

Published

5 hours ago

on

March 31, 2026

By

Nigeria’s rising tennis star Seun Ogunsakin has reached a new milestone in his junior career after climbing 18 places in the latest ITF rankings to a career-high world No. 64.

READ ALSO: NPFL: Ebimobowei Hails Team Effort After Bayelsa United’s Convincing Home Win

The 17-year-old earned the significant jump following his impressive triumph at the J200 tournament in Cairo over the weekend, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s brightest young prospects.

Ogunsakin’s steady rise continues to gather momentum, with the Ekiti-born player now firmly in contention for a place in the main draw of Roland Garros junior event if his current form is maintained.

Fresh off his J200 success, the Nigerian will waste no time returning to action as he begins his J300 Cairo campaign. He is scheduled to face Botswana’s Ntungamili Raguin in the first round on Monday.

The matchup presents an intriguing contest, with Ogunsakin having defeated Raguin en route to his title win last week.

However, the Botswana player has proven his resilience on the big stage, having reached the third round of the Australian Open junior event earlier this year after progressing through the qualifiers.

Ogunsakin, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Australian Open, will be aiming to build on his recent success and continue his upward trajectory on the global junior circuit.

Currently Nigeria’s top-ranked junior player, Ogunsakin has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past year.

His achievements include winning the U-18 Africa Regional Championship and multiple J100 titles, while training at the ITF High Performance Centre in Tunisia.

With confidence high and form on his side, the Nigerian teenager will be looking to make a strong statement in Cairo as he pushes closer to junior Grand Slam qualification.

/* <![CDATA[ */
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;

c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";

c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");

try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}

a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */

The post J200 Champion Ogunsakin Climbs 18 Steps up to Career-High Ranking, Begins J300 Cairo Campaign appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Trending