New football academy unveiled in Kwara, hunts for local talents to empower youths

 

By Alex Ajayi

Lafiagi (Kwara): The Aiedu Football Academy (AFA) has been unveiled in Lafiagi, Kwara, with a commitment to develop local football and support young talents in achieving their professional dreams.

At the ceremony, held on Friday at the Lafiagi Township Stadium in Edu Local Government Area, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the academy, Mr Aliyu Isa-Aiedu, declared his readiness to invest in grassroots football as a means of youth empowerment and crime prevention.

Aiedu, a U.S.-based entrepreneur, said his goal was to nurture young footballers, equip them for international opportunities, and provide them with a platform to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

The founder highlighted the transformative power of football, describing it as a universal language that unites young people across different backgrounds.

“Football is not just a game; it is a tool for keeping youths engaged and fostering community development,” he said.

Aiedu revealed that plans for the academy had been in motion for over seven months, with a vision to give aspiring footballers the opportunity he never had as a young player in Nigeria.

“I used to be a local player with big dreams, but I never had the chance to make it to the top.

Founder and CEO AFA, Aliyu Isa-Aiedu.

“Now, having lived in a country where private individuals contribute significantly to sports development, I am committed to helping young talents in Kwara achieve their dreams,” Aiedu added.

The academy, he assured, would be opened to players from all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status, to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities.

In his address, the Director of the football, Dr. Ndanuza Manzuma, expressed optimism about the academy’s future, stating that it aimed to become a major talent hub in Nigeria.

“We are focused on taking AFA to the next level. We have the full backing of the Kwara State Football Association, the media, and key sports stakeholders in this project,” he said.

Manzuma assured that the academy’s structure and programmes would produce top-quality players capable of representing Nigeria at international tournaments.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that to mark the academy’s unveiling, AFA defeated Ilorin-based Dolly P Academy FC 2-0 in a thrilling exhibition match.

Goals from Mohammed Babawo in the 35th minute and Mubarak Musiliu in the 61st minute sealed the victory for the home side, giving a glimpse of the academy’s potential in developing young football stars.

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