Sports

Football Academies to be regulated- Minister

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2021

Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare has assured that a new Sports Industry Policy will soon be approved with Sports Academies playing key role in talent discovery.

The Minister made this assertion when he hosted winners of the maiden edition of the National Principal’s Cup Fosla Academy in Abuja.

The Minister congratulated the students, staff of FOSLA academy as well as their proprietor Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi for emerging champions of the revived competition.

According to him “I want to thank you for investing in these young ones and I also want to recommend upfront to other Nigerians be it individuals or organisations to see what you are doing now as a model because the future of our sports development will only be possible in a dynamic form with partnerships between government and private sector”

He reiterated that, the President Mohammadu Buhari has asked that the NFF under the supervision of the Ministry should produce a 10 year football master plan. “Perhaps the biggest thing we should expect is the Nigerian Sports Industry Policy that has business model embedded in it. Sport is now business in this country Academy like yours will get the opportunity to develop their infrastructure so that more talents can be discovered and nurtured.”

“Let me congratulate you very specially on your victory at the National Principal’s Cup. when I presented the cup to you I saw the excitement. I was amazed at some of the skills displayed on the pitch of play. Our work at the Ministry is to hunt for sporting talents and to also partner with institutions like FOSLA Academy who are in the same business of hunting for talents and developing them”

The Minister said because of the experience the Ministry had in bringing back the Principal’s Cup which is now renamed National Principal’s Cup, in another 45 days, the next edition of the competition will comnence on a much larger scale with more schools participating.

“The Power of sports like Mandela said is to Unite and promotes peace in the world. This cannot be understated. I’m glad that you are involved in sports and we hope some of the young players from the Academy will become the bright stars in Nigeria’s football family.”
In his response, the Proprietor of Fosla Academy Alhaji Sanni Lulu Abdullahi thanked the Honourable Minister for vision and hardwork that has helped revive the Principal’s Cup. “FOSLA Academy is a product of hardwork and consistency. The victory in the National Principal’s Cup is a dream come true and we are very grateful for the opportunity to expose our young talents. I’m personally grateful” Lulu concluded.

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Sports

Grassroots football Guru: Celebrating Nureni Makanjuola’s Contributions to Nigerian Football

Published

4 hours ago

June 20, 2025

The Gleamer

In the realm of Nigerian football, few individuals have made as profound an impact on grassroots development as Nureni Makanjuola, popularly known as MK. As the proprietor of Water FC of Abuja, MK has been instrumental in shaping the future of Nigerian football, one young player at a time.

MK’s love affair with football began at a young age, and his passion for the beautiful game only grew stronger with time. However, it was his realization of the vast, untapped potential in Nigerian grassroots football that spurred him to take action. Determined to make a difference, MK established Water FC, a platform dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and developing young football talents.

Water FC, under MK’s guidance, has become a beacon of hope for young Nigerian footballers. The club’s academy provides a conducive environment for youngsters to hone their skills, with top-notch coaching, training facilities, and equipment. MK’s commitment to grassroots development is evident in the club’s scouting network, which identifies and recruits talented players from all over the country.

The success stories emerging from Water FC are a testament to MK’s vision and dedication. Several players who have passed through the club’s ranks have gone on to represent Nigeria at various international levels, including the U-17 and U-20 World Cups- a case in point is Babatunde Micheal. Others have secured professional contracts with top Nigerian and European clubs, a clear indication that Water FC is producing talents capable of competing on the biggest stages.

MK’s impact extends beyond the football pitch. Through Water FC, he has empowered communities by providing opportunities for young people to engage in sports, thereby promoting social development and cohesion. The club’s presence has also stimulated local economic growth, with businesses and services springing up to cater to the needs of players, coaches, and visiting teams.

As a role model for philanthropy, MK’s selfless contributions to grassroots football development have earned him recognition as a role model for philanthropy in sports. His commitment to giving back to the community, without expecting anything in return, is a shining example for others to follow. By investing in the future of Nigerian football, MK is inspiring a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.

We conclude this price by stating explicitly that Nureni Makanjuola (MK) is a true champion of grassroots football development in Nigeria. Through Water FC, he has created a platform that not only discovers and develops young talents but also empowers communities and promotes social growth. As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to MK for his tireless efforts in shaping the future of Nigerian football. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and his impact on the beautiful game will never be forgotten.

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