Okpebholo, Dikko, Gusau lead top dignitaries to Ikhana Football Academy launch in Auchi

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By Trust Ittai 
 
 
 
 
Top sports administrators and football legends are set to converge on Auchi, Edo State, for the official launch of the Kadiri Ikhana Football Academy scheduled for March 28.

Among the dignitaries expected at the event are Edo State Governor His Excellency Monday Okpebholo, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, the commission’s Director General Bukola Olopade, and President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau.

The academy is the brainchild of former Super Eagles star and coach Kadiri Ikhana, who confirmed in a statement that the project, which began skeletal operations late last year, will become fully operational after the official unveiling.

Ikhana, a former Enyimba International F.C. coach and an Africa Coach of the Year winner, said the academy is designed to contribute to grassroots football development in Nigeria, particularly the nurturing of young talents for age-grade national teams.

The Edo State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, alongside members of the Commission’s board, are also expected to attend the event.

Also billed for the launch is Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Gbenga Elegbeleye, as well as chairmen of the 20 NPFL clubs and officials from the Nigeria National League, led by its chairman George Aluo.

Football legends from Nigeria’s victorious 1980 African Cup of Nations team, including Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amasiemeka, and Felix Owolabi, have also confirmed their presence at the event.

Security expert and philanthropist Peter Dunia is also expected at the ceremony.
Speaking on the vision behind the project, Ikhana, a member of the 1980 AFCON-winning Green Eagles squad, said the academy will focus on nurturing young players between the ages of nine and 16.

“I’ve garnered lots of experience both as a player and coach over the years and I feel it is time to contribute to the development of the age-grade national teams,” Ikhana said.

“The academy is for children from age nine to 16 and we want it to serve as a nursery for the junior national teams and clubs. We are admitting both boys and girls and we have experienced technical staff to guide the players through their career paths.”

The launch is expected to attract key stakeholders in Nigerian football as efforts continue to strengthen grassroots development across the country.
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