The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Edo State Football Association have pledged their support for the newly launched Kadiri Ikhana Football Academy (KIFA), with plans to position it as a template for future football academy development in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of the academy in Auchi on Saturday, the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, represented by his aide Ebidowei Ebikagboro, praised the former Green Eagles player for establishing the initiative.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to helping the academy achieve its objectives.
“We are delighted that someone of Coach Kadiri Ikhana’s calibre, who not only played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980 but also became the first coach to lead Nigeria to the elusive CAF Champions League title with Enyimba of Aba, has initiated this project,” Olopade remarked.
“The academy is our baby, and we will wholeheartedly adopt it. We are pleased that it combines football training with academic education. However, I urge the students to take their studies as seriously as their football training. The NSC is committed to supporting this project,” he assured.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Fred Newton, represented at the event, acknowledged Coach Ikhana’s efforts in establishing the academy and his contribution to youth development in the state.
“I am thrilled that you have chosen to share your football expertise with the youth of Edo State. While we will support you in achieving your goals, I also commend you for the success and the enduring impact this academy will have, not just in Edo North but across Edo State. We are fully behind you on this journey,” Newton stated.
