Sports
Nurudeen Academy Unveils State-of-the-Art Talent Camp in Mararaba
…Aims to Nurture and Develop Young Footballers
By Tolulope Oguntimehin
One of Nigeria’s leading football development institutions, Nurudeen Football Academy, has launched a state-of-the-art residential camp in Mararaba, Nasarawa State — a strategic location near the Abuja-Nasarawa border.
The newly unveiled facility is designed to support talented young footballers, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds or living outside Abuja and Nasarawa, who previously faced accommodation challenges while training at the academy.
Speaking at the launch, President of Nurudeen Football Academy, Mahmud Musa, shared the inspiration behind the initiative:
“Football has always been a passion of mine. I played when I was younger, and I’ve always dreamed of creating a platform where young, aspiring players can thrive. This academy is more than just a training ground — it’s a hub for nurturing talent while recognizing the business side of football. That’s why we’ve invited top professionals in the industry to assess and help enhance what we’ve built.”
“We’re not stopping here. We also encourage our players to learn a vocation alongside football, giving them something sustainable to fall back on beyond their playing days.”
Chairman of the academy, Engr. Adamu Salihu Rabo, emphasized the significance of the new camp in attracting more youth to the academy:
“This facility opens the door to many more players, especially those previously held back due to accommodation barriers. Now, they can live and train here under the guidance of some of the best coaches in the country.”
Also present at the event was the Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA), Usman Ilerika, who lauded the academy’s investment in youth development:
“This is a truly commendable project. Nurudeen Academy is not just building footballers — they’re transforming lives. By providing a safe space for kids to live and train, they’re helping steer youth away from social vices while giving them a platform to shine.”
“Mararaba has long been a breeding ground for raw football talent, with many players in the FCT leagues emerging from these suburbs. This camp, which has been affiliated with the FCT FA for over five years, provides an even stronger platform to nurture and harness that potential. We at the FCT FA are proud to be associated with such a meaningful initiative.”
The Nurudeen Academy Talent Camp is set to become a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers across the region, combining technical training with life skills development to empower the next generation of stars.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Patron of the Academy, the Emir of Karshi; Chairman of FCT Coaches Association, Bartholomew David; former Nasarawa United coach, Bala Nikyu; and several other notable guests.
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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