Veteran Nigerian coach Kadiri Ikhana has revealed ambitious plans to nurture young football talents ahead of the launch of his football academy in Auchi, Edo State.
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The former Enyimba FC coach confirmed that preparations are in top gear for the official unveiling of the academy scheduled for March 28, 2026, noting that the initiative is designed to develop young players and help them build professional careers in football.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Ikhana said the academy would focus on grassroots development, with the goal of identifying and grooming talented youngsters who could eventually represent clubs and the national team.
“We are getting on with the plan. We intend to launch the academy on the 28th of this month and preparations are ongoing,” Ikhana said.
According to the experienced tactician, the academy is primarily aimed at providing a structured pathway for young footballers to grow technically and professionally.
“Our focus is to develop the youth and give them opportunities in football. We believe we will be able to contribute to the development of the nation and also produce players that can represent clubs and the country,” he added.
Ikhana also disclosed that several friends and prominent personalities are supporting the project, although he declined to reveal their identities until the academy is officially launched.
“I have the support of friends and some dignitaries, but I would prefer not to mention their names for now. When the academy is launched and they are present, people will see their involvement,” he said.
The former national team coach insisted that Nigeria remains blessed with football talent, stressing that the academy would help rediscover and properly develop such players.
“There are talents everywhere in Nigeria.
We have had players from different parts of the country who have represented clubs and the national team with distinction. We believe that from this academy we will also produce players who will represent clubs and the country.”
On the structure of the academy, Ikhana revealed that it would initially focus on younger age groups, particularly Under-13 and Under-16 players, whom he believes are easier to groom and develop.
“We are concentrating mainly on Under-13 and Under-16 players. At that stage, it is easier to teach and mould them properly. When players are older, they already have certain habits which can be difficult to change,” he explained.
The academy is expected to serve as a platform for nurturing grassroots talent while also contributing to the overall growth of Nigerian football.
Ikhana, a respected figure in Nigerian football, enjoyed a distinguished coaching career and famously led Enyimba to continental success in 2003 cementing his place among the country’s most accomplished coaches.
