Yemi Idowu, chairman of Nath Boys FC and a leading voice in Nigerian football development, has shared his insights on the future of football academies in Nigeria. While he applauds the progress academies have made in nurturing talent, he insists that without a strong grassroots and junior structure, the system remains incomplete.
“I’m happy with the work academies are doing, that’s the progression,” Idowu said. “But I’d be happier if we had a proper youth and junior structure in place. Right now, it’s a bit disjointed.”
He emphasized the importance of building a track record to identify what works and what doesn’t. Pointing to successful initiatives launched since 2010, Idowu stressed that grassroots football must be prioritized, with local coaches and academies given more prominence in talent development.
Lessons from Morocco
Idowu cited Morocco as a model for long-term investment in grassroots football. The country’s success at both youth and senior levels, including its historic run to the World Cup semifinals—is built on a nationwide structure that starts in villages and culminates in elite facilities like the King Mohammed VI Football Academy.
“What Morocco has done is the result of a long journey. That center is just the tip of a grassroots pyramid. If you go to their villages, you’ll see the structure. That’s what we don’t have.”
He argued that Nigeria doesn’t need expensive stadiums to build a strong foundation. Simple grass fields and functioning junior leagues are sufficient. What’s lacking, he said, are basic resources—starting with quality footballs.
“Today, we can’t even get competition-grade footballs in Nigeria. Most of what’s sold is fake. Let the Sports Commission distribute quality footballs for free. It costs nothing.”
The Role of the NFF and Local Governments
Idowu believes the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) should focus on elite football, while junior development should be managed by state and local governments. He called for decentralization of funding and infrastructure to ensure children can play regularly without traveling long distances.
“If you want to play every week, you can’t travel too far. Local governments should fund infrastructure and support coaches with small allowances and training kits. The rest, they will do.”
Academies vs. League Teams
Addressing the trend of top Nigerian players emerging from academies rather than league teams, Idowu attributed this to the academies’ openness to giving young players opportunities—unlike some league teams that are dominated by older players.
“Academies are doing the right thing. The league isn’t. Once you reach a certain age and don’t make the grade, you should move on and make space for younger players. If you don’t, they’ll go where they’re allowed to play.”
He urged league teams to give junior players a platform for one or two years before they move abroad. This, he said, would not only aid development but also generate revenue for clubs.
“Even Bulgaria and Serbia can’t retain their top players. Nigeria won’t either. But we can give juniors a platform before they leave.”
Advice to academies
When asked for advice to other academies, Idowu remained humble.
“I think we’re all doing well. Success depends on resources and luck. Some with little are winning, while others with more aren’t. I’m lucky we’re still at this level, but many are doing more and haven’t achieved the same.”In summary, Idowu’s message is clear: football academies are essential to Nigeria’s future in the sport, but they must be backed by a well-structured grassroots system. Without it, the country risks losing its next generation of stars before they ever get the chance to shine.