Ministry pledges support for youth empowerment through sports

The Federal Government has pledged support for the Onyeka Ikenga Football Academy, with a focus on empowering young football talents in Nigeria. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, unveiled the academy's Under-17 team during a ceremony in Abuja. Olawande stated that initiatives like this are crucial for identifying and nurturing young talents, offering them opportunities to develop their skills through sports.

He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting such initiatives that could empower young Nigerians and create opportunities for them. The Chairman of the event, Moses Ebute, expressed optimism that the academy would produce players capable of representing Nigeria at the highest level, urging young players to remain disciplined and committed to their development.

The academy's founder, Ngozi Ikenga, revealed that her late daughter, Onyeka Ikenga, was passionate about football and envisioned the project as a way to empower young people. The academy's football development program is now an annual event, with professional and FIFA-certified coaches and scouts involved in identifying promising players.

The recent Under-17 team won a novelty match against the academy, and the tournament's winners received cash prizes, while Effiong Nfonso of Karu Football Academy was named the tournament's highest goal scorer.