NSC, Edo FA Pledge Support For Kadiri Ikhana Football Academy

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Edo State Football Association have committed to supporting the recently inaugurated Kadiri Ikhana Football Academy (KIFA), intending to adopt it as a model for future academy development across the country.

At the official launch of the academy in Auchi on Saturday, the NSC DG, Honourable Bukola Olopade, represented by aide Ebidowei Ebikagboro, commended the former Green Eagles player for his initiative.

He expressed the Commission’s dedication to nurturing the academy to fulfil its goals.

“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.

In a similar vein, Fred Newton, Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, spoke through a representative, highlighting Coach Ikhana’s pioneering efforts in establishing the academy and his role in shaping the future of youth in Edo 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.