Sports

Unicorn Football Academy Gets French Boost as Awoniyi Meets Ambassador

Published

2 years ago

June 3, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, paid a courtesy visit to the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean Francois Hasperue, on Monday.

The meeting at the French Embassy in Abuja focused on exploring sports partnership opportunities and discussing ways to develop the Unicorn Football Academy in Ilorin.

Unicorn Football Academy, which is controlled by the elder brother of the Forest’s striker, Victor Awoniyi, is been positioned to help youngsters achieve their dreams of playing football at the highest level.

Awoniyi, who has been making waves in the English Premier League, was warmly received by Ambassador Hasperue.

The duo engaged in a fruitful conversation, exchanging ideas on how to strengthen sports ties between Nigeria and France.
The ambassador expressed his admiration for Awoniyi’s achievements on the pitch and his role in promoting Nigerian football globally.

Awoniyi thanked the ambassador for his support and shared his vision for the Unicorn Football Academy, which aims to nurture young talents and provide opportunities for them to succeed in the sport.

The discussion centered on potential collaborations between French football institutions and the academy, including training programs, coaching exchanges, and infrastructure development.

Ambassador Hasperue assured Awoniyi of France’s commitment to supporting sports development in Nigeria and explored possibilities for future partnerships.

The meeting concluded with a pledge to continue the dialogue and explore ways to strengthen sports relations between the two nations.

Awoniyi left the embassy inspired, knowing that his passion for football could make a positive impact on the lives of young Nigerians and contribute to the growth of the sport in the country.

Unicorn Football Academy is scheduled to participate in a four-club scouting programme from Tue., June 4 to Fri. June 7, in Kaduna.

Share on Facebook

Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

5 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

Share on Facebook