African footballers migrated to Europe in the late 90s’ and early 2000s. The recruitment of young African players has been condemned as neocolonial exploitation by the president of FIFA, Sepp Blatter in 2003. European football clubs were criticized for the recruitment of raw talents from Africa for their own success.
The powerful economic position of the European clubs attracted young African talent. This led to the underdevelopment of African football and the exploitation by the exportation of skills.
Football today is a global franchise and gaining popularity – including a rise in online betting. However, football has led to the introduction of football academies in Africa as well.
Football Academies in Africa
- Kadji Sports Academy, Cameroon
The excellent facilities and skilled instructors of this academy allow individuals from age 18 to start serious lessons. Young footballers are taught strategies and the academy focuses on personal ethics, sportsmanship, and self-improvement.
Popular players like Stéphane Mbia, Idriss Carlos Kameni, Aurélien Chedjou, and Benjamin Moukandjo have emerged from the Kadji Sports Academy. European clubs like OGS Nice and Atletico de Madrid have partnered with the academy.
- Mimos Sifcom Academy, Ivory Coast
Founded by Roger Ouégnin and Jean-Marc Guillou in 1913, the academy boasts of successful outcomes for the players. The academy has kept its promise as it has produced players like Emmanuel Eboué, Didier Ya Konan, Salomon Kalou, and the former FC Barcelona star Yaya Toure.
- Kwara Football Academy, Nigeria
Governor of Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki established the Kwara Football Academy in 2005 to professionally train budding talents and develop the skills of aspiring footballers. International players teach in the academy as coaches.
Kwara Football Academy has produced players for both national and international tournaments. It has contributed greatly to the field of sports in Nigeria.
- West African Football Academy, Ghana
This academy is the largest academy in Ghana. The West African Football Academy was established by the Feyenoord Club, a Ghanaian team and a contestant of the Ghana Premier League.
Young talents from the age of 13 years and 21 years are given early training to ensure the best results. Mohammed Abubakari, a successful talent of the academy competed as a part of Feyenoord.
- PEPSI Football Academy, Nigeria
Regarded as Africa’s largest academy for its high-quality training and amazing infrastructure, the PEPSI Football Academy has its headquarters in Lagos’ Agege Stadium. By the name of the academy, it is no surprise that it has been formally endorsed by Pepsi company since 1994.
The academy has produced players like Osaze Odemwingie, John Mikel Obi, and Joseph Akpala, who played on behalf of local and European clubs.
- Midas Football Academy, Nigeria
The academy was built to honor the “golden” talent of gifted children. Founded in 2006, the Midas Football Academy trains young talented footballers to make them professional players in the future.
The academy hosts coaches and agents from all across the globe to train young players. It is globally regarded as the best football academy.
