24th June, 2010
More than a thousand Football Academies are in Lagos but not all of them have what it takes to meet the aspirations of soccer-loving Nigerians in terms of good management and structure.
There are some football academies in Lagos State, that lack the organisational structure, sponsor and other sports facilities that players need to excel in their chosen career.
One of the football academies where every player wants to start his football career is BRF Football Academy. The club which is sponsored by Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola has recorded several achievements in the last one year. BRF Football Academy has travelled to many parts of in Nigeria to participate in some competitions and friendly games.
The Chief Coach of the Club, Sunday Epochi told GSG that the club is waxing stronger and he is happy that new players have continued to register with the club.He said the club is well motivated, which makes the players committed.
The light-skinned coach said: “We took our players to Abuja to watch Nigeria Vs. Tunisia in the 2010 World Cup qualifier so that they can learn a little from the senior national team, the Super Eagles. We also defeated Sia-One Football Academy 3-1 in a friendly match played in Abuja,†he said.
Epochi said the players are paid training allowance and match bonuses regularly. The gaffer said the achievements of the club in the last one year informed some players to join the club.
“We travelled to Ghana last year to play Academy Liberty Junior Team and some other clubs, so as to expose the players,†said Epochi, whose team played 2-2 with Ekiti Football Academy in a friendly match held recently in Ado-Ekiti.
He revealed that 30 players are currently in the club, adding that he needs more players within the required age bracket to come and register with them.
“We train on the Hockey Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere. The Club has good management and coaching crew. Any player who joins the club will have nothing to regret,†he said.