The Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA) continues to make significant strides in Nigeria’s football landscape, not only by nurturing young female footballers into future champions on the pitch but also by equipping young girls with leadership, education, and life skills training essential for success beyond the game.
Founded by six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, AOA is a football and development academy focused on girls aged between 12 and 18. Its mission extends beyond football drills; it aims to dismantle stereotypes, empower young women, and cultivate leaders capable of transforming their communities.
On 21st April 2025, AOA, under the theme “S.H.E PLAYS,” brought together aspiring young female football players at the Femi Gbajabiamila Mini Stadium, Abalti Baracks, Ojuelegba, Lagos.
AOA trained over 150 female footballers through soccer skills sessions and mentorship programmes, with each participant receiving 90 minutes of football practice alongside comprehensive education on leadership and rights-based topics. Graduates emerge not only ready to pursue professional football careers but also equipped to make positive impacts within their local communities.
From discovering raw street talent to producing national stars, the Asisat Oshoala Academy is demonstrating that football can be a powerful vehicle for transformation, not just on the pitch but also in the lives and futures of young Nigerian girls. With continued support and resources, the next generation of African female football icons may already be training on the AOA turf.
Speaking on the vision and evolution of the academy, Head Coach Alabi Kazeem, who boasts over 28 years of experience in women’s football, expressed pride in the achievements thus far. He stated, “I’ve been with AOA for three years now, and there’s never a day I don’t feel joy seeing these girls grow. Many came from the streets, but now they’re on a path to becoming leaders.
AOA has already produced three players for Nigeria’s national teams. One of our stars, Seimeyeha Akekoromewei, played a key role in Nigeria’s U-20 World Cup qualification, later representing the country at the U-17 World Cup, and recently joined the home-based Super Falcons team.”
Coach Kazeem, who previously helped discover Oshoala while coaching at FC Robo, added that AOA’s widespread appeal is partly due to Oshoala’s global influence and legacy. “Asisat is a six-time African champion—it’s no small feat. Every girl wants to be like her. Coaches all over Nigeria are now reaching out to enrol their players in AOA.”
Lanre Vigo, AOA’s Academic Director, emphasised the academy’s commitment to holistic development. He remarked, “We’re not just training footballers. We’re building well-rounded individuals. Not everyone will become a professional footballer, but through our life skills programmes, they can still thrive in other roles within the sport, such as coaching, management, or media. We organise events year-round to educate and empower girls with essential tools for life.”
Vigo also called on corporate bodies and government agencies to support the academy. He stated, “Nigeria has immense talent, both male and female. We need to invest in our girls, provide them with platforms to grow, and we’ll raise the next generation of African female players.”
Oluwaseun Savage, Head of Operations at AOA, further elaborated on the academy’s practical approach to talent development. He noted, “We start early. We teach them not just to play football, but also to identify opportunities off the pitch. Leadership training has transformed many of our girls—they now speak confidently, articulate their thoughts, and advocate for their ideas.”
On the field, players are taught not only tactics but also geography, the history of stadiums, and international football knowledge. Savage highlighted that this multidimensional learning experience shapes well-rounded individuals capable of competing on a global stage.
Among the academy’s bright talents is Atojoko Hassanat, captain of FC Phoenix, who dreams of playing for Chelsea. She shared how football has provided her with direction and purpose, stating, “Lauren James is my idol. I want to be even greater than her one day.”
She acknowledged the challenges, saying, “Feeding and transportation are significant obstacles, but I separate school from training and make it work. Asisat Oshoala inspires me, and I aspire to surpass her achievements.”
Kazeem Zainab Bisola, a female goalkeeper and captain of FC Victory Queen, echoed a similar passion. Inspired by Nigeria’s national goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, she dreams of playing for a top club one day.
She explained, “Balancing school and football is hard. My parents weren’t supportive at first, but my love for the game kept me going. I started out as an athlete but developed a deep passion for football. I’m dedicated to becoming the best I can be.”
Bisola also offered words of encouragement for aspiring female footballers, saying, “Follow your passion. There will be distractions and challenges, but never give up. Football may not be easy, but it’s worth it if you stay focused and determined.”
After the football life skills training and leadership/mentorship session, players were divided into teams and played mini football matches to put into practice what they had learned. The FC Victory Queen team won 1-0 against the FC Phoenix team, and gifts and trophies were presented to the winners.
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