AYICRIP-NELIS Football Academy Showcases Young Talents in Event in Lagos

The AYCRIP NELIS Football Academy showcased exceptional young talent in an exciting exhibition match held at the Legacy Pitch in Surulere, Lagos, on Monday. Divided into Team Red and Team White, the academy’s players put on an entertaining display, with Team White emerging victorious in an 8-1 triumph.

The event was attended by Japanese scouts supported by the Taiyo Foundation, aiming to identify promising talents. Ambassador Chris Ibeh, CEO of the academy, emphasised that the initiative seeks to nurture young players while addressing broader social issues. “AYCRIP focuses on crime and substance abuse prevention, while NELIS promotes sustainability and leadership. Together, we provide opportunities for underserved youth to showcase their skills and advance their careers,” he said.

Among the players, Ojo Israel, who scored Team Red’s only goal, expressed mixed feelings, saying, “I feel bad we lost, but I’m glad to have scored. I hope to improve and play like Ronaldo one day.” Meanwhile, Oladosu Reuben, who netted a hat trick for Team White, shared his aspirations: “I want to play professionally in Europe and represent Nigeria like Victor Osimhen. That’s my ultimate goal.”

The AYCRIP NELIS Football Academy combines the African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention AYCRIP and Japan’s Next Leaders Initiative for Sustainability NELIS, fostering both athletic and personal development.

Editorial

The AYCRIP-NELIS Football Academy’s recent exhibition match in Lagos highlights the transformative power of football. More than just a showcase of skill, the event served as a platform for youth empowerment, blending sports with critical societal values like crime prevention, leadership, and sustainability.

Ambassador Chris Ibeh’s vision for the academy is commendable. By providing underserved youth with structured opportunities, the initiative offers a pathway to professional football while fostering discipline and focus. This dual approach is especially significant in Nigeria, where untapped talent often goes unnoticed due to limited resources.

The players’ stories, like those of Ojo Israel and Oladosu Reuben, reflect the academy’s impact. Israel’s dream of emulating Ronaldo and Reuben’s ambition to follow in Victor Osimhen’s footsteps are not just individual aspirations they symbolise the hopes of countless young Nigerians. With the right support, these dreams can become realities, underscoring the importance of initiatives like AYCRIP NELIS.

This academy stands as a reminder that sports can be a catalyst for change, bridging gaps and inspiring communities. As the academy grows, its model could serve as a blueprint for similar programmes across Africa.

Did You Know?

1. The Legacy Pitch in Lagos, where the exhibition took place, is part of the National Stadium complex and hosts various grassroots football events.
2. Victor Osimhen, a role model for many Nigerian players, was the top scorer in the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup, leading Nigeria to victory.
3. The Taiyo Foundation, which supported the event, focuses on empowering youth globally through education and sports.
4. AYCRIP has been actively involved in crime prevention initiatives across Nigeria for over a decade.
5. Japan’s NELIS programme connects emerging leaders from around the world to promote sustainability and innovation.