Pepsi Football Academy

Established in November 1992 by Kashimawo Laloko as a football school and based at the Agege Stadium (courtesy of the Lagos State Sports Council) the initiative secured the total backing of Pepsi in 1994 and has, since then, been titled the Pepsi Football Academy.

The Pepsi Football Academy, over the years has developed and grown into not only the largest and most significant football academy in Nigeria but possibly the African Continent and probably even Worldwide!

Today the Pepsi Football Academy comprises over 3,000 registered students aged between 6-18 yrs and operates throughout the year from 14 separate training centres, involving 54 coaches, across Nigeria. A far cry from the early days of just 45 students and 3 coaches training at the Agege Stadium Lagos!

History

The Academy was established in 1992.[1] Originally based in Lagos at the Agege Stadium in Nigeria, it now has 14 centres across the country and has over 3000 students.[2] Footballers who started their careers at the academy include John Obi Mikel, Dominic Chatto, Echiabhi Okodugha, Joseph Akpala, Uwa Elderson Echiéjilé, Conquest Osaroigwe, Soga Sambo and Yinka Adedeji.[3]

In 2006, the Academy set up a UK scholarship scheme, which has awarded scholarships to 13 players. The first recipient was Michael Oluwatosin.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Sanni, Kunle (29 July 2012). "Pepsi Football Academy celebrates 20th anniversary". Daily Times Nigeria.
  2. ↑ "The role of football academies in Nigeria, other West African countries". The Guardian (Nigeria). 28 September 2012.
  3. ↑ Pepsi football academy in Nigeria
  4. ↑ Alawode, Adebobola (10 June 2013). "Pepsi Academy Picks Mba For UK Scholarship". P.M. News Nigeria.

External links


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