Ministry pledges support for youth empowerment through sports

The Federal Government has pledged its support for the Onyeka Ikenga Football Academy, aiming to discover and develop young football talents in Nigeria. Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande announced this during the unveiling of the academy's Under-17 team in Abuja. Olawande emphasized the government's commitment to empowering young Nigerians through sports initiatives, stating that the academy serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing young talents.

Onyeka Ikenga, the academy's founder, established the institution in July 2023, inspired by her late daughter's passion for football. Ikenga believes the academy will eventually produce players capable of representing Nigeria at the highest level, with one of the current Under-17 players already securing a contract to join a Saudi football club.

The academy, which has organized annual football development programs, recently hosted a novelty match where the academy defeated Karu Football Academy 5-0 in the Under-17 tournament. Winners received financial rewards, with the Under-13 tournament final giving out N200,000 to Onyeka Ikenga Football Academy and N100,000 to Karu Football Academy.