Abuja, Nigeria | September 15, 2025 — The Federal Government has commended a foundation for its groundbreaking grassroots football development initiative, describing it as a timely intervention in the nation’s sports sector. The project, which targets young talents across communities, is designed to discover, train, and nurture the next generation of football stars while fostering national unity and social development.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Sports Development praised the foundation for complementing government efforts in youth empowerment through sports. He noted that grassroots football remains the bedrock of Nigeria’s sporting success and emphasized that such initiatives would help bridge the gap between raw talent at the community level and professional opportunities at both national and international stages.
According to him, the Federal Government is committed to strengthening collaborations with private sector players, non-governmental organizations, and philanthropists to expand the reach of football academies, improve training facilities, and provide mentorship for young athletes.
The Minister highlighted that Nigeria’s global football reputation, built on the achievements of its youth teams and professional players abroad, must be sustained through deliberate investments in grassroots structures. He stressed that this initiative would not only promote healthy competition among youths but also channel their energy into productive ventures, reducing social vices.
The foundation’s leadership explained that the programme will kick off with a series of zonal tournaments and talent camps across the six geopolitical zones, with scouts and professional coaches expected to monitor and mentor emerging players. Selected talents will be enrolled in structured training programmes, with opportunities for scholarships, local league integration, and possible international exposure.
Community leaders, ex-internationals, and football stakeholders at the event applauded the effort, describing it as a strategic step toward repositioning Nigeria’s football for future glory. They also called on state governments to key into the programme by providing infrastructure support such as community fields, equipment, and logistics.
The Federal Government assured its continuous support, noting that sports remain a vital tool for national development, diplomacy, and economic growth. The initiative, it said, will play a key role in strengthening Nigeria’s quest to reclaim its dominant position in African and global football.
