By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
The CEO and Chief Coach of JK Football Academy, Abuja, Nigeria, Ifeanyi Isaac, has appealed to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Federal Ministry of Sports, President Ahmed Tinubu, and the Legislative Arms of the Government to support Nigerian-born international footballers like Goodwill Chiwendu.
Isaac made the call during a press conference, urging the government to encourage and empower football academies like JK Football Academy, saying sports like football can boost the economy.
Isaac explained that JK Football Academy, affiliated with JK Football Academy in Turkey, has been nurturing African players and taking them to club sides, where they perform exceptionally well.
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The academy, with branches in Nigeria and Ghana, has produced talented players like Chiwendu, who is currently playing with KC Besa in Albania.
Isaac praised Chiwendu as a “very special striker” with a “Lion Heart” and urged the national teams coaches and NFF to look into his talent.
He appealed to senators to support young academies in Nigeria, citing an example of a senator who sponsored a player to go for a trial.
Isaac suggested that the government should make laws to support registered sports academies, which can contribute to the economy.
He noted that many Nigerian footballers have investments in the country and can boost the economy if given the opportunity.
Isaac urged the NFF, Sports Commission, and legislators to work together to harness young talents in Nigeria.
The JK Football Academy CEO emphasized that supporting young footballers can help Nigeria maintain its status as a sports giant in Africa.
He called on the government to provide support to young academies, which train players in challenging conditions.
Isaac’s appeal is seen as a plea to recognize and develop Nigerian football talent.
