Taiwo Awoniyi, John Obi Mikel and Victor Osimhen began their football journeys in Nigerian football academies. Today, they are global superstars featuring in the best football leagues. The ability to produce such caliber of players is why Nigeria is one of Africa’s biggest footballing nations.
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Since the formation of the English Premier League in 1992, Nigeria has contributed the highest number of players (57) among African countries. This has led to cult-like support for the league and the sport. Internationally, the West African nation is one of the most successful in Africa and usually qualifies for the World Cup.
The country might have administrative problems but is doing a few things right. Young players receive football education early through football academies. In this article, we’ve compiled the best football academies in Nigeria making the stars.
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Pepsi Football Academy (PFA)
PFA ranks among the best football academies in Nigeria. The late former Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) technical director Kashimawo Lalokoc started the facility in 1992. Pepsi Football Academy has bred prominent footballers like:
- John Mikel Obi
- Yinka Adedeji
- Dominic Chatto
- Sunday Mba
Initially, it was known as Kashimawo Lalokoc Football Academy but then changed its name to Pepsi Football Academy after the Pepsi Cola Company took over. Its main base is Lagos and has 14 training facilities in other states. Additionally, it offers students scholarships to play abroad.
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Kwara State Football Academy
The former Kwara State Governor Dr Bukola Saraki established Kwara State Football Academy (KFA) in 2005. The former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Issa Hayatou opened the institution.
Clemence Westerhof, a Dutch international heavily involved in African football, was once the academy’s technical advisor. His influence in Nigerian football was great, and he’s credited to have raised its standards. It’s fully funded by the Kwara state government to realize its objectives, which include, among other things,
- Nurturing young people between 13 and 21 years to compete globally.
- Produce players who’ll compete at the international level.
- Make Kwara Football Academy the destination of choice for aspiring players.
The academy produces all-round individuals as it also gives its students formal education. For instance, Ahmed Abdultaofik is one of its most prolific alumni.
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Ikorodu City Football Academy
Ikorodu City Football Academy is based in Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos State, Nigeria. It offers programs that shape aspiring players to become professionals.
Here are some of the programs it offers:
- Complete football development.
- International football tour.
- Biennal football scouting competition.
- International trials & football career pathway.
Additionally, the academy welcomes people keen on maintaining fitness. It offers subscription packages that give you different kinds of access. Some of its prominent students are Sebastian Godwin John and Salami Farouk
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Triple 44 Football Academy
This is one of the leading football academies in Nigeria, started in 2014 and based in Oyo State. The academy has evolved from having only four players to over 50. Triple 44 Football Academy aims to produce professional footballers with good technique, improve their physical fitness and produce students good in athletics and academics.
Alumni from the academy include:
- Peter Olawale
- Ozor Okeke
- Emmanuel Adeyemo
- Abel Ogwuche
- David Habila
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Barcelona Football Academy Nigeria
Barcelona is one of the biggest football clubs in the world. It’s popular for its Spanish football academy La Masia which has produced exceptional football talents like Messi and Xavi. They have extended their brand to Africa by establishing an academy in Nigeria.
Children between the ages of 6 and 18 can join to receive a world-class football education that involves learning technical skills, mental fortitude and tactics, among others. The facility runs two programs:
- One for kids between 6 and 14
- The second is for kids between 14 and 16
Papilo Football Academy
Ranking among the best football academies in Nigeria is Papilo Football Academy. It has molded players who’ve represented the national football team. Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidiebere Nwakali are some of its notable alumni.
It’s partnering with English side Leeds United in England, allowing its players to play abroad. One of the biggest former Nigerian footballers, Nwankwo Kanu invested heavily to help the team prosper. The facility is reportedly based in Owerri Road, Imo State, Nigeria.
Midas Football Academy
Midas Football Academy is another beacon of football excellence in Nigeria. It opened its doors in 2006 to groom football talent in Nigeria and Africa. The facility prepares students to excel in different areas of life by providing education, vocational training and mentorship.
If you’re looking for the best football academies in Nigeria to enrol your child, consider our recommendations. They’ll work with experienced coaches and trainers who’ll improve their chances of becoming professional footballers. Additionally, they’ll give your child a holistic education to succeed in multiple areas of their life. They might be the next Victor Osimhen. So if they want to play, this is where it all starts.
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