Football Academies in Abuja
Football is undeniably the most popular sport in Africa. As the acclaimed “Giant of Africa,” Nigeria has played a major role in the development and success of football within and outside the continent. The country has some of the best national teams and players in the continent, hence, it often excelled at both continental and international football competitions.
In Nigeria, it is common practice for young children and teenagers to play football in any open field. As long as the surface seems flat and there is a “ball” to kick around, these young folks are always happy to play. Having recognized this love for football, football academies were created to spot and train young talents.
In this piece, we discuss the top football academy in Abuja and their offerings. We also feature a history of football academies in Nigeria. Take a look.
Brief History of Football Academies in Abuja, Nigeria
As a source of national pride and cultural significance, the typical Nigerian football academy was designed to train young talents. It was structured as an alternative to the traditional school system that prioritizes science, art, and commercial courses. This shift is synonymous to the alternative options of playing online games like Aviator to visiting physical casinos. Like the academies, online casinos can turn amateurs into professional players over time.
As the global trend of professionalizing youth sports began to grow, the concept of football academies in Nigeria began to gain traction in the ‘90s. Some international football stars who started from Nigerian football academies include:
- Jay-Jay Okocha from Delta State Football Association Academy
- Victor Osimhen from Ultimate Strikers Academy
- Wilfred Ndidi from Nath Boys Academy
- Ahmed Musa from GBS Football Academy
- Kelechi Iheanacho from Taye Academy
With the establishment of institutions like the Pepsi Football Academy in Lagos in November 1992, it wasn’t long before Abuja residents began to clamor for their own “Barcelona football academy” in Abuja. The Pepsi Football Academy set a precedent for structured youth training programs across the country. Although the first academies were primarily located in Lagos, Abuja quickly became one of the top locations for football academies in the country.
As football academies in Abuja gained traction, they began to attract attention for their role in developing future stars. These academies have grown to be crucial in giving gifted athletes a route to professional ranks. Nigerian football has been significantly impacted by the opening of football academies in Abuja. Players that do well in these academies frequently have the chance to join both domestic and international professional clubs.
In order to promote football as a feasible career choice for young people in Nigeria, the academies are essential. The academies are now a ray of hope for many aspiring athletes as a result of changing cultural views on football and parents’ growing support for their kids’ football goals. The migration of Nigerian football players to European competitions, where many aim to advance their careers, has been facilitated by this trend.
Top 5 Football Academies in Abuja
Many academies in Nigeria now boast of having UEFA-certified coaches and modern training facilities. While these factors are crucial for developing players and may increase their chances of competing on both national and international stages, some academies have a competitive edge over others. This competitive edge is like getting an extra 888starz bonus while playing to the basic training that the players may receive in other academies. There is not the single best football academy in Abuja but top 5 which include:
Siaone Soccer Academy (SSA)
This football academy in Abuja was founded by former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia over 10 years ago. It is located at Area 10, Garki Abuja. As one of Nigeria’s most popular football coaches, Siasia made the academy popular. The academy admits players between ages 4 and 22.
The academy is dedicated to developing young football talent in Abuja. Hence, it focuses on both basic and advanced football training. SSA is well known for its expert training methods that place a high value on skill development, discipline, and collaboration. Players can study and develop in a secure and supportive atmosphere at the academy. It has a strong history of turning out players who have gone on to play professionally as well. We just may have the next Lamine Yamal from the SSA.
Siaone Soccer Academy registration and training fees often vary by the player’s age as well as the particular training regimens and facilities employed. According to reports at the time this article was written, the registration fee ranged from ₦8,000 to ₦15,000 and the training fee varied from ₦100,000 to ₦150,000.
Abuja Football College
The “college” was established in 2012. It is located at 52 Yedesram Street, Maitama, Abuja. The academy aims to develop young talented footballers between the ages of 13 to 21. The academy reportedly has over 150 students.
The Abuja Football College has a curriculum for both technical skills and personal development. This ensures that players excel on the field and as individuals. The coaching staff is experienced and dedicated to administering the said curriculum.
The registration fee for Abuja Football College is between ₦15,000 and ₦25,000. The training fee also reportedly ranges from ₦150,000 to ₦200,000 depending on the program and the required facilities.
Pepsi Football Academy Abuja
Founded by Kashimawo Laloko in November 1992, the Pepsi Football Academy in Abuja is a well-known football training facility. The institution was founded in Lagos and gained support from Pepsi in 1994, which greatly increased its resources and visibility. The Abuja branch is located in Wuse 4, Wuse.
The goal of the academy is to develop young football players between the ages of 6 and 20. Both basic and advanced football skills are developed during the training sessions, guaranteeing that players receive thorough instruction that prioritises self-control, cooperation, and skill improvement. The academy is renowned for its expert training methods and for creating a nurturing atmosphere that allows young athletes to fly.
Depending on the player’s age and the particular programs available, the registration and training costs might vary. Although the sources did not provide precise numbers for the Abuja branch, such academies usually charge registration fees between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000 and training fees between ₦80,000 and ₦200,000 per year.
Alpha Football Club And Academy
Alpha Ibrahim, a former Nigerian international player, founded this football academy. It is situated in Jabi, Abuja. Alpha Ibrahim contributes tremendous knowledge and insight to the academy as a professional athlete.
The academy, which focuses on nurturing young football talent in Abuja, accepts players between the ages of 6 and 18. It guarantees that athletes acquire a comprehensive education in football by emphasising both fundamental and advanced training. The academy places a high premium on giving players a secure and supportive training environment. This dedication to creating a nurturing environment enables young athletes to succeed.
The registration and training fees vary per the player’s age and the particular training plans available. Fees usually typically range from ₦70,000 to ₦120,000, while registration fees are said to be between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000.
AS Roma Academy Abuja
This academy is part of the official network of football schools run by the Italian club AS Roma. It caters to boys and girls aged 5-17 years. This is one of the few academies that train girls to one day be part of the Women’s Championship League. The academy focuses on developing young talent in an ideal professional environment.
AS Roma Academy Abuja benefits from the expertise and methodologies of a top European club. The academy offers top-notch instruction, facilities for training, and a program that prioritises sportsmanship, teamwork, and technical proficiency. Talented athletes can now be scouted for bigger possibilities abroad thanks to the partnership with AS Roma.
The fees for AS Roma Academy Abuja is not at par with the other Nigerian owned academies. It reportedly varies between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000 per annum. High fees might be a reflection of the high-quality training and facilities provided to the players. As a typical Nigerian proverb goes, “every good soup costs money.”
Comparison of Top 5 Football Academies in Abuja
The table below is a succinct summary of the top football academies in Abuja. This comparison may help you decide on which academy is most ideal.
|
Football Academy |
Founder/Affiliation |
Age Range |
Fees |
Aim |
|
Siaone Soccer Academy (SSA) |
Samson Siasia |
4 to 22 years |
₦100,000 to ₦150,000 | Basic and advanced football training |
|
Abuja Football College |
— |
13 to 21 years |
₦150,000 to ₦200,000 |
Technical skills and personal development |
|
Pepsi Football Academy Abuja |
Kashimawo Laloko |
6 to 20 years |
₦80,000 to ₦200,000 |
Fundamental and advanced football skills |
|
Alpha Football Club And Academy |
Alpha Ibrahim |
6 to 18 years |
₦70,000 to ₦120,000 |
Basic and advanced football training |
|
AS Roma Academy Abuja |
AS Roma (European Club) |
5 to 17 years |
₦200,000 to ₦300,000 |
Professional environment with a focus on girls’ football |
Conclusion
A clear indication that football is becoming more and more recognised as a feasible career option for young people is the increasing number of football academies in Abuja. Nigerian youth football has become more organised because of the expansion of football academies in Abuja. These academies are an essential conduit between professional football leagues and amateur football. These academies are projected to have an even bigger impact on how football develops in Nigeria in the future.
