Barrister Churchill Oliseh and FC Ebedei, one of Nigeria’s premier professionally-run football academies, have received glowing commendations from Family United By Football (FUBF) following the nomination of Super Eagles forward Ebere Paul Onuachu MON for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award.
The FIFA Puskás Award, which recognizes the year’s most outstanding goal, included Onuachu’s spectacular acrobatic backheel goal during Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory against Konyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
The goal is among 11 stunning contenders highlighted in a FIFA-released video of nominees.
FUBF, an active sports advocacy group, lauded Barrister Oliseh and FC Ebedei for their tireless efforts in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
The academy stands as a beacon of excellence, producing elite talents who have represented Nigeria on global stages.
FC Ebedei has the distinction of being the first Sub-Saharan African club to nurture a player nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award.
Additionally, it boasts an enviable record of having three graduates—Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika—play for the Super Eagles in the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria secured a silver medal in Ivory Coast.
Barrister Oliseh’s contributions to Nigerian football are legendary. He played pivotal roles in the careers of Super Eagles icons like Dosu Joseph and Sunday Oliseh, arranging critical career opportunities that set them on paths to international success.
His sacrifices include financing Dosu Joseph’s journey to join the Dream Team ahead of the historic 1996 Atlanta Olympics, a gesture of commitment to Nigerian football that remains unmatched.
Speaking on the nomination, FUBF remarked, “Barrister Churchill Oliseh and FC Ebedei have been instrumental in shaping Nigerian football. Onuachu’s FIFA nomination is a testament to their excellence and enduring legacy.”
With this milestone, FC Ebedei and Barrister Oliseh further solidify their reputation as stalwarts of African football development.
