Academy News
Coach Adeyemi Ajuwon Calls for Government Investment in Youth Development Through Development of Grassroots Sports Facilities
Veteran grassroots football coach and academy administrator, Coach Adeyemi Ajuwon, has called on governments at all levels to prioritise youth development by investing in grassroots sports facilities, football academies and programmes that nurture young talents across Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with Sports247, Ajuwon described sports as one of the most effective tools for youth empowerment, saying adequate investment in grassroots infrastructure would not only produce future football stars but also help reduce unemployment, crime and social vices among young people.
According to him, football academies remain the foundation of talent development worldwide, yet they continue to receive little attention in Nigeria despite producing the country’s future professionals.
“The government is not looking into the academies, and that is where the talented players come from. In Europe, players begin from academy systems before progressing to professional clubs. That is the model we should be following,” he said.
Ajuwon recalled his playing days in the early 1980s, noting that while football has become more commercial over the years, grassroots coaches and academy owners still bear the burden of developing players with minimal support.
He identified the shortage of quality sports facilities as one of the biggest challenges limiting youth development through sports.
“In Lagos, we have very few standard facilities available. Many academies have to pay huge amounts every year just to use training pitches. Developing players has become very expensive, yet most academy owners are doing it purely out of passion,” he explained.
The veteran coach urged government agencies to build more community sports centres and football pitches that would be easily accessible to young athletes and grassroots clubs. He also appealed for financial support for registered academies and lower registration fees for emerging clubs.
According to Ajuwon, many promising young footballers are unable to fulfil their potential because their academies struggle to finance registration, equipment, transportation and participation in competitions.
“There are many talented players under the age of 15, but without support, their dreams may never be realised. Many academies are not even registered because they cannot afford the fees.
Government should make the process easier and support those genuinely developing young players,” he added.
He further highlighted the enormous financial burden carried by grassroots coaches, many of whom personally fund players’ transportation, camping, training equipment and competition expenses.
Drawing comparisons with the United Kingdom, Ajuwon said government investment in sports infrastructure abroad has created an environment where youth development thrives.
“I was in the UK and saw government-owned facilities with dozens of standard football pitches. Here in Nigeria, we don’t have enough quality pitches. Sometimes we have to travel long distances just to find a good field for competitions, and the costs are becoming unbearable,” he said.
Ajuwon concluded by urging policymakers to recognise grassroots sports as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
“If government truly invests in grassroots sports, many young people who are on the streets today can discover their talents and build successful careers. Sports can transform lives and give hope to the next generation,” he stated.
The post Coach Adeyemi Ajuwon Calls for Government Investment in Youth Development Through Development of Grassroots Sports Facilities appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Academy News
Iyanuoluwa Omotosho Emerges As Niferia’s Latest Left-footed Free Kick Specialist At New Breed College
Expectations are shooting high about the emergence of a new left-footed free-kick specialist for Nigeria, following the exploits of Iyanuoluwa Omotosho at New Breed College, in Customs area of Abaronje, Lagos.
Sports247 gathered that the youngster, who is also the under-13 team captain at Super Accurate Football Academy of Ikotun, has already revealed his potential with remarkable exploits in a number of youth competitions within the Ikotun/Igando/Ijegun axis.
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His breakthrough came in 2024, when he won three competitions just a year after joining Super Accurate from Rising Star FC, whose coach, Abbey Oseni took him to his older brother’s team for greater exposure.
The lad, whose dad hails from Erimo Ile in Ekiti State, went on to help ‘Coach Super’ and his team win Ijegun Cup, Prince GAS Cup and Akesan Cup in quick succession, while also stamping his authority as a key player in the squad.
“I am grateful to Coach Abbey for taking me to Super Accurate in 2023. I am also happy that God has helped me grow fast in the team, and I am now one of their captains.
“I am also happy that God made me a natural left-footer and I love scoring free kicks like Cristiano Ronaldo, who I admire so much.
“I also like Alex Iwobi, because he is always calm and he has good passes. I want to play for the Super Eagles in the future and for FC Barcelona of Spain.
“I want to play for Barca because I also admire Lionel Messi and he’s a left-footer like me,” posited ‘Iyanu,’ who further thanked Coach Adewale Oseni (Super) for teaching him football techniques at the academy.
He is now aiming for victory with Super Accurate in the Mock World Cup final on July 19th, when they will play as ‘Brazil’ against ‘Spain’ (Sharp Strikers FC) at Community Primary School, Ikotun.
The post Iyanuoluwa Omotosho Emerges As Niferia’s Latest Left-footed Free Kick Specialist At New Breed College appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Academy News
‘From Oro to the World’ — SSA Adeboye Unveils Vision for World-Class Football and Agricultural Academy in Kwara
In what is being described as one of the most ambitious grassroots empowerment initiatives in recent years, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking Football and Agricultural Development Academy in Oro, Kwara State.
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The visionary project, conceived from the SSA’s office, is designed to combine elite sports development with modern agriculture, youth empowerment, education, tourism, and economic transformation on a massive seven-hectare site in the historic community.
Already, work has commenced at the proposed academy site, with land clearing completed and block production ongoing for the perimeter fencing—marking the first visible steps toward what many believe could become one of Africa’s most innovative integrated development projects.
Speaking on the initiative, Adeboye described the academy as more than just a sports institution, calling it a long-term investment in the future of Nigerian youths and rural development.
“This project is about creating opportunities and changing lives. We are building a platform where young Nigerians can develop not only as athletes but also as responsible individuals, entrepreneurs, and future leaders.”
The SSA explained that the academy will blend football excellence with practical agricultural development, creating a unique system where sports and agribusiness work together as tools for empowerment and sustainability.
“Nigeria is blessed with incredible talent and fertile land. Our vision is to combine both strengths to build something transformational for the next generation.”
The proposed facilities include a FIFA-standard football pitch, training grounds, sports science and rehabilitation centre, hostel accommodation, staff quarters, dining facilities, and a large-scale agricultural and livestock farm.
The development will also feature a modern four-star hotel and conference centre, positioning Oro as a future destination for sports tourism, football camps, conferences, and international events.
According to Adeboye, the long-term vision is to create a complete development ecosystem capable of nurturing talent from the grassroots while stimulating economic growth within the host community.
“This is not just about football. It is about education, discipline, agriculture, tourism, job creation, and community transformation.”
The SSA further noted that the academy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda of youth empowerment, sports development, food security, and economic diversification.
“Mr. President believes strongly in empowering young people and creating sustainable opportunities. This project reflects that vision in action.”
Community leaders and youth stakeholders have already welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention capable of addressing unemployment and creating hope for young people in the region.
Sports analysts also believe the project could attract local and international partnerships due to its unique combination of sports infrastructure, agricultural innovation, and hospitality development.
Beyond talent discovery, the agricultural component is expected to promote practical farming education, food production, and agribusiness opportunities for young Nigerians while supporting local supply chains and economic sustainability.
The project is equally projected to create jobs across multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, hospitality, sports management, transportation, security, and catering.
For Adeboye, however, the mission remains simple and clear:
“We want Oro to become a place where dreams are born, talents are developed, and futures are transformed.”
As anticipation continues to build across Kwara State and beyond, many now believe the Football and Agricultural Development Academy could become a national model for integrated youth empowerment and grassroots development.
And if the vision becomes reality, the fields of Oro may soon produce not only football stars—but a new generation of empowered Nigerian leaders.
The post ‘From Oro to the World’ — SSA Adeboye Unveils Vision for World-Class Football and Agricultural Academy in Kwara first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post ‘From Oro to the World’ — SSA Adeboye Unveils Vision for World-Class Football and Agricultural Academy in Kwara appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Academy News
Nigerian Talent Goshen Ishicheli Joins Manchester United Academy
Young Nigerian prospect Goshen Ishicheli has taken a significant step in his football journey after officially signing with the academy of Manchester United, where he will feature in the club’s U9 setup.
The talented left-footed youngster expressed excitement at reaching this early milestone, as he begins life within one of the most prestigious youth development systems in world football. His move to the club’s academy in Manchester marks the start of a new chapter, offering him the platform to develop his skills in a highly competitive and structured environment.
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The moment was made even more special with the presence of his family, who witnessed the signing and shared in the celebration of his achievement. Their support is expected to play a key role as he adapts to life in North West England and continues his development both on and off the pitch.
Manchester United’s academy has a long-standing reputation for nurturing young talents into top-level professionals, and Ishicheli will now look to follow in the footsteps of several stars who began their journeys at the club.
Though still at an early stage of his career, the young Nigerian’s progress will be closely monitored, with his technical ability and potential already drawing attention. His signing also highlights the growing presence of Nigerian heritage talents within elite European academies.
As he settles into the system, Ishicheli will be aiming to continue learning, improving, and making the most of the opportunity — with hopes of building a future in professional football.
The post Nigerian Talent Goshen Ishicheli Joins Manchester United Academy appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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