Nigeria witnessed the birth of a new football development initiative as Yoshi Football Academy, originally based in Dubai, was officially launched in Abuja on October 5, 2024.
The event, which took place at the Astro Turf in Wuse Zone 5, saw the presence of young talented footballers, their parents, and various stakeholders in the Nigerian football community.
The ceremony was graced by Dr. Alex Mana, a former FIFA referee and the ex-head of management studies at the National Institute of Sports, Lagos (NIS).
Read Also: 2024 AFRISKAUT NLO CUP : Bendel Insurance Feeders , Kun Khalifa Game Ends In 1-1 Stalemate
Dr. Mana officiated the official unveiling, symbolizing a promising era for grassroots football in Nigeria. He praised Yoshi Academy for its innovative approach, combining technical football education with academic learning and modern training methods.
The academy, led by Ahmad Geidam, founder and CEO of Yoshi Football Academy, is set to focus on bridging the gap in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Its holistic approach includes mental health coaching, nutrition support, and structured pathways to international opportunities, ensuring the development of well-rounded players.
Marcello Anyanwu, the academy’s Sporting Director from Dubai, emphasized the academy’s role in providing world-class coaching and international exposure for aspiring players.
Barrister Austel Elumelu, a former member of the Nigeria Football Federation (technical department), lauded the establishment of Yoshi Academy, noting that such initiatives are crucial for nurturing future football stars.
He emphasized that investing in youth development will pave the way for discovering the next generation of Nigerian football legends, such as Jay-Jay Okocha and Victor Osimhen.
The first open day of Yoshi Academy registered over 100 players under the age of 18.
Training sessions are set to take place every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday, following the same successful model established in Dubai.
This launch marks a significant step in developing Nigeria’s football potential, with Yoshi Academy poised to produce the country’s future football champions.
