Edo Gov, Dikko, NFF president to storm Auchi for Ikhana’s Academy launch

By Editor

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, and his Director General, Bukola Olopade, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, and other top sports dignitaries are expected to be in Auchi, Edo State, for the official launch of the Kadiri Ikhana’s Football Academy. The event will be held on March 28.

A statement signed by coach Kadiri Ikhana details that the Academy, which started skeletal operation late last year, would come on stream fully after the launch.

The former Africa Coach of the Year, who led Enyimba of Aba to win the hitherto elusive CAF Champions League for Nigeria in 1993, said the Edo State Deputy Governor, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, and his board members are also expected.

Also billed to attend the launch is the chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, and all the Chairmen of the 20 Premier League teams in the country, as well as their counterparts in the Nigeria National League (NNL) led by the chairman, Mr. George Aluo.

A renowned security expert and philanthropist, Chief Peter Dunia, will also attend the launch, just as all the active and popular 1980 African Cup of Nations-winning Green Eagles, led by Mathematical Segun Odegbami, Adokyie Amasiemeka, and Felix Owolabi, have been confirmed for the Auchi event

The renowned coach, a member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations Green Eagles winning team, said he decided to float the academy to further contribute to the development of football, especially the age-grade teams.

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

“The academy is for children from age 9 to 16, and we want it to serve as a nursery for the junior national teams and the clubs. We are admitting both boys and girls, and I’ve experienced technical staff to guide the players through their career paths,” the former Kano Pillars coach said.