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The Future of Football: Top Academies in Lagos Shaping Nigeria’s Next Stars

Published

7 months ago

January 15, 2025

Lagos, Nigeria, is fast becoming a hub for aspiring footballers, with several world-class academies helping to develop the next generation of talent. From Grammy-winning musician Burna Boy’s initiative to a renowned Italian football club’s academy, young athletes are being given exceptional opportunities to hone their skills. Below are some of the top football academies in Lagos, shaping Nigeria’s future football stars.

1. Burna Boy Football Academy

Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy has ventured into football by establishing the Burna Boy Football Academy, which aims to nurture young talent across Africa. The academy caters to players aged 4 to 21 and has multiple locations in Lagos, including Ikoyi and Surulere.

Training Programs: Burna Boy’s academy offers intense team training, positional coaching, personalized conditioning, and advanced development programs designed to prepare players for professional opportunities. The academy also focuses on building a strong mental and social foundation, helping athletes develop leadership skills and resilience on and off the pitch.
Enrollment: Prospective players can attend trials for a six-day assessment, which includes accommodation and meals. Those who impress may receive full spots on the team, including jerseys, training materials, and ongoing mentorship.

Through this academy, Burna Boy continues to contribute to community development, offering young footballers a chance to showcase their talents globally.

Learn more at Burna Boy Football Academy

2. Sporting Lagos Academy

Founded in 2023, Sporting Lagos Academy is dedicated to discovering and nurturing football talent in Nigeria. The academy runs two key programs: the Junior Academy for players aged 8-14 and the Senior Academy for ages 15-18.

Training Programs: The academy’s methodology emphasizes teamwork, tactical understanding, positional coaching, and personalized fitness plans to enhance players’ skills. Senior academy members also compete in Nigeria’s third-tier football league, giving them valuable match experience.
Enrollment: Players interested in joining can undergo a trial process. The academy offers a professional environment for growth, ensuring players receive the training and exposure they need to succeed in the football world.

Sporting Lagos Academy is committed to developing footballers who can compete at both local and international levels, creating pathways for young talent to reach the professional stage.

Explore Sporting Lagos Academy

3. Juventus Academy Nigeria

Juventus Academy Nigeria, the official football academy of the renowned Italian club, Juventus, is one of the most prestigious football institutions in the country. The academy operates in various locations, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, offering training for boys and girls aged 4 to 18.

Training Philosophy: The academy adopts the “Juventus Way,” focusing on developing technical and tactical skills, promoting mental toughness, and instilling teamwork values. Juventus Academy Nigeria offers year-round training with an emphasis on possession-based football and individual initiative.
Enrollment: Prospective players can join Juventus Academy Nigeria through summer camps, preseason programs, or trials. The academy’s training methodology prepares players for both national and international football, with a focus on producing well-rounded athletes.

The academy’s affiliation with Juventus ensures that young Nigerian footballers are exposed to world-class training and development techniques, boosting their chances of success at both local and international levels.

Visit Juventus Academy Nigeria

4. FCBEscola Lagos

FC Barcelona has launched FCBEscola Lagos at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, offering Nigerian youth the chance to train under the renowned methodologies of La Masia, Barcelona’s youth academy. The academy is open to boys and girls aged 5 to 18, focusing on developing technical skills, tactical understanding, and core values like teamwork and respect.

Training Programs:

Competitive Program (ages 6-18): Regular training with an emphasis on skill development.
Technification Program: For advanced technical training once a week.

Enrollment:

Prospective players can register by attending trials at Teslim Balogun Stadium. Registration fees are approximately 13,500 Naira, payable via ATM or GTBank mobile app.

For more details, visit the FCBEscola Lagos website.

5. Pepsi Football Academy

Located in Lagos, the Pepsi Football Academy is one of the oldest and most successful football academies in Nigeria. Established in 1992, the academy has produced notable players, including Mikel John Obi and Sunday Mba, who have gone on to achieve success both in domestic and international football. With a focus on grassroots development, the academy offers training programs for children and young adults, grooming them for professional football careers.

6. Midas Football Academy

Founded in 2006, Midas Football Academy is committed to nurturing football talent in Nigeria and Africa. The academy operates across several states, including Lagos, and is affiliated with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Football Association. Midas has earned a reputation for producing top footballers through its robust training and mentorship programs.

7. Lagos Tigers Sports Academy

Established in 2012, Lagos Tigers Sports Academy is based in Lekki, Lagos. It provides football training for children and young adults aged 3 to 15. The academy offers a variety of sports, including football and basketball, and emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and discipline.

8. Lagos Bright Stars Football Academy

Lagos Bright Stars Football Academy is another prominent football institution in Lagos, focused on developing young footballers into future superstars. The academy offers comprehensive training programs for various age groups and prepares players for both national and international football competitions.

9. Buruj Sports Academy

Founded in 2012, Buruj Sports Academy is dedicated to discovering and honing football talent in Lagos. The academy operates on a “Play and Study” initiative, offering young footballers the opportunity to balance their education with football training. Buruj has earned recognition for producing well-rounded athletes with both athletic and academic excellence.

10. Seamoriow Sports

Established in 2022, Seamoriow Sports is a fast-growing football academy based in Alimosho, Lagos. The academy focuses on age group teams, including U-10, U-13, U-15, and U-17. With a commitment to excellence, Seamoriow Sports aims to provide young players with the training and exposure needed to compete at the highest level.

Why Lagos Football Academies Matter

Football academies in Lagos are crucial to the development of football in Nigeria. These institutions provide young athletes with the necessary foundation to pursue professional football careers. Through expert coaching, rigorous training, and mentorship, they ensure that players are not only physically prepared but also mentally equipped to succeed in the competitive world of football.

With increasing international recognition and opportunities, these academies are proving to be the launchpad for the next generation of football stars. As more talent is discovered and nurtured, the future of Nigerian football looks bright.

The Impact on Nigerian Football

These academies are not just about training football players—they are changing lives by offering hope and opportunities for young Nigerians. Each of these institutions, from Burna Boy’s football academy to the prestigious Juventus Academy, aims to develop well-rounded players who can compete at the highest levels of football.

By offering state-of-the-art training, competitive opportunities, and a chance to be scouted by international clubs, these academies are paving the way for Nigeria to produce world-class talent in the years to come.

Whether you’re a parent looking to enroll your child or a young athlete hoping to make it big, these football academies in Lagos offer the resources, expertise, and exposure needed to transform dreams into reality.

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Group Sues LASIEC Over Plan to Conduct LG Elections in 57 LCDAs

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2025

Eko plus

A Lagos-based socio-cultural group, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, has filed a lawsuit against the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) over its plan to conduct local government elections in 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), instead of the 20 constitutionally recognized local government areas.

The suit, lodged at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, challenges the legality of holding elections in the LCDAs. The Foundation argues that the planned polls are unconstitutional, illegal, and in clear violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether LASIEC possesses the legal authority to conduct elections outside the 20 LGAs explicitly recognized in the constitution. The case is expected to come up for hearing in July.

Sanwo-Olu to Meet APC Stakeholders to Strategize Ahead of LG Polls

APC Chairmanship Aspirant Unveils Seven-Point Agenda for Ejigbo LCDA

Meanwhile, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship aspirant for Ejigbo LCDA, Taoheed Taiwo, has unveiled a seven-point development agenda as part of his campaign to bring inclusive and sustainable governance to the community.

Speaking during the official flag-off of his campaign, Taiwo described his manifesto as a “people-based social contract” that prioritizes action over promises. He urged residents to unite behind a vision focused on inclusion, security, and growth.

Taiwo’s agenda includes:

Improved Qualitative Healthcare – Establishing solar-powered primary healthcare centers and providing health insurance for the elderly and vulnerable.
Education Development – Reconstructing public primary schools across the LCDA.
Infrastructure Renewal – Rehabilitating roads, enhancing traffic systems, and installing streetlights for improved safety and mobility.
Inclusive Empowerment
Enhanced Security – Strengthening community policing, supporting local vigilantes, and improving emergency response mechanisms.
Economic Growth
Environmental Beautification

Taiwo emphasized his commitment to translating the manifesto into measurable outcomes and called on residents to embrace the opportunity for meaningful progress.

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Lagos Overhauls Chieftaincy Law, Empowers Governor with Final Authority

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2025

Eko plus

Lagos Proposes Overhaul of Chieftaincy Law, Expands Governor’s Authority and Codifies Monarchs’ Roles

In a historic move to modernize traditional governance, the Lagos State Government is set to repeal and re-enact the Obas and Chiefs Law, introducing a comprehensive legal framework that redefines the roles of traditional rulers and strengthens government oversight.

The draft bill, currently under review following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Ministry of Justice, seeks to clarify the functions, powers, and legal standing of monarchs within Lagos’ evolving administrative landscape. Attendees included traditional rulers from the state’s five divisions, lawmakers, legal experts, and community leaders.

Sanwo-Olu to Meet APC Stakeholders to Strategize Ahead of LG Polls

Defining the Role of Traditional Rulers

One of the bill’s key innovations is the formal codification of the duties of Obas and Chiefs. Section 2 of the proposed law lists their responsibilities as conflict mediation, community development, grassroots communication, security support, and advocacy for tax compliance. This legal recognition aims to resolve longstanding ambiguity surrounding their function in democratic governance.

The bill also exempts official palaces and heritage homes—such as the Iga and Awanu—from property rates, acknowledging their cultural significance and allowing for state-supported maintenance, subject to the consent of the ruling Oba or Chief.

Governor’s Authority Over Chieftaincy Affairs

A major and contentious feature of the bill is the expanded power of the Governor in chieftaincy matters. Under the new law, the Governor can approve, reject, or reverse traditional appointments—even if customary selection processes are followed—based on public interest, peace, or order.

While this provision is intended to prevent disputes, critics argue it centralizes authority excessively. To mitigate concerns, the bill permits affected parties to challenge such decisions in court within 21 days and mandates a 60-day response window for the Governor on petitions.

Regulation of Customary Chiefs and Anti-Impersonation Measures

To address the proliferation of impostor chiefs, the bill introduces penalties for unauthorized installations. Section 23 prescribes up to two years’ imprisonment or a N5 million fine for installing or impersonating a chief without approval. It also penalizes those who obstruct installation rites or occupy chieftaincy property unlawfully.

Chieftaincy Committees at the local government level will handle appointments and disputes, ensuring adherence to custom and legality.

Criteria for Establishing New Chieftaincy Titles

The bill stipulates that any new traditional stool must be at least 120 years old under customary law. Proposals will undergo a public inquiry, legal vetting, and community feedback within a 30-day period before final approval by the Governor. This process aims to preserve the integrity of traditional institutions and avoid politically motivated creations.

Reclassification of Obas and Control of Honorary Titles

The law also introduces a classification system for monarchs: Special Grade, Grades A, B, and C (which includes upgraded Baales). This is expected to reduce intra-council disputes over status.

The conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles is now restricted to Obas—limited to five per year and subject to prior approval by the Commissioner. Unauthorized title conferments are criminalized, carrying similar penalties as illegal installations. Additionally, honorary chiefs cannot be elevated to full traditional rulers.

Restructuring of the Council of Traditional Rulers

Part 8 of the proposed law reorganizes the Lagos State Council of Traditional Rulers. The Oba of Lagos becomes the permanent Chairman, supported by four Deputy Chairmen representing the state’s divisions and five rotating Vice Chairmen from Grade A monarchs. With a 60-member council, the body will advise the state on traditional matters, provide policy feedback, and assist with conflict resolution.

Conclusion

Lagos State’s bold legislative initiative could redefine the relationship between modern government and traditional institutions. By clarifying roles, regulating appointments, and institutionalizing legitimacy, the proposed law aims to harmonize cultural heritage with contemporary governance needs.

If implemented with fairness and diligence, the new chieftaincy law could serve as a national model for traditional leadership reform.

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Sanwo-Olu to Meet APC Stakeholders to Strategize Ahead of LG Polls

Published

2 months ago

June 23, 2025

Eko plus

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will tomorrow at noon host a stakeholders’ parley with leaders, elected and appointed officials, as well as chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House, Marina.

The high-level meeting is expected to serve as a strategic rallying point for party mobilisation ahead of the July 12 local government elections.

This follows the formal presentation of party flags to the 57 APC chairmanship candidates last week at the party’s state secretariat in Ogba — a colourful event attended by key figures in government and the party hierarchy. The ceremony marked the official commencement of campaigns and provided a morale boost to party faithful in anticipation of another electoral victory.

Lagos LG Polls a Strategic Step Toward Tinubu’s Re-election, Says Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos APC expresses deep appreciation for the trust and confidence reposed in the party by Lagosians, which has continued to drive the state’s unmatched progress across all sectors.

We remain confident that the outstanding achievements of our local councils — particularly in education, primary healthcare, housing, and grassroots social interventions — will be rewarded with widespread voter support at the polls.