Ilorin and the Kwara Football Academy!
Categories: Sports Development
Written By: Segun Odegbami
Before last Saturday the last time I visited Ilorin was some two years ago. The Kwara State capital is still as clean as I observed it was two years ago. The once-feudal and civil service city has been transformed into a modern metropolis with its environment ventilated by plants, trees, vegetation and artistic monuments. The social activity level has also lifted significantly and there’s an air of prosperity that could be felt around the city.
The stadium complex also has been transformed. The abandoned uncompleted structures around the stadium complex have been completed and taken over by the Kwara Football Academy project under the directorship of Clemens Westerhof. The academy has brought new life to the environment.
I went round the football academy and left with a good impression. For a government project it has set new standards. The facilities in the academy are very good and well maintained. I could see Westerhof’s signature through them all, the lush green pitches, the excellent gymnasium and the signs of good maintenance. I spoke with a few of the students of the college and was pleased to learn that the project despite its huge running cost is being steadily funded by Dr. Bukola Saraki’s government. It is great also that the school incorporates academics into its programmes even though its main objective is to provide footballers with a solid grounding in the game to make them good professionals in future. I don’t know if the people of Kwara know it, but in a few years time the school shall become a major economic and social contributor to the State.
I commend Dr. Bukola Saraki for his foresight!
November 6th, 2008 at 1:14 PM
i want to be part of the academy and i want to no about the academy in full detail
November 22nd, 2008 at 4:36 PM
I wish to request for a copy of the academy’s requirements,
November 23rd, 2008 at 3:44 AM
i want to be part of the academy and i want to no about the real detail in full but,all i want is a coaching carrier which i dont no where to start from and i wish to request a copy of the academy requirement
December 6th, 2008 at 6:06 PM
i want to be a part of the academy and i would like to have the full details of the requirements
December 18th, 2008 at 5:55 PM
I want to register to be a member of the student in the academy. Based on this, I need to know the requirement that would be needed to get registered as soon as possible.
December 25th, 2008 at 2:19 PM
i have been trying to register in kfa for the past 4 months but all to no avail not recently i checked on the web and i find out that its open again. i don;t know when the form will be on sale. my number 07093043068
December 25th, 2008 at 2:21 PM
i have been trying to register in kfa for the past 4 months but all to no avail not recently i checked on the web and i find out that its open again. i don;t know when the form will be on sale. my number is 07093043068
January 2nd, 2009 at 1:14 PM
i have been trying to register in kfa for the past 4 months but all to no avail not recently i checked on the web and i find out that its open again. i don;t know when the form will be on sale. my number is 07084009375
January 7th, 2009 at 1:43 PM
i want to buy the form but dont know how to get it.thanks
January 7th, 2009 at 1:44 PM
my number is 08064842270
January 7th, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Thanks for all the enquiries on the Kwara Football Academy. I do not know anything about its admission requirements or procedure. Interested persons will have to get the information directly from the school situated inside the stadium complex of the Ilorin Township Stadium Sports Complex.
There is also The International Sports Academy which I have direct access and relationship with. This is a senior secondary school (SS1 to SS3) with the mission to combine sports (Tennis, Basketball, Track and Field and football) with academics. The process of admission into this school will soon be available on the website of the academy. It is www. theinternationalacademy.org
Wish you luck!
January 8th, 2009 at 3:27 PM
I want to join the international academy football club. i just finished my SS 3 and I want to be a footballer for the upliftment of the Nigeria foot ball. I know I can make Nigeria proud.
thanks
January 9th, 2009 at 9:27 PM
Dear Segun,
I have visited the International Sports Academy website. I have carefully reviewed all the sections (education programs, curriculum, application, admission procedure, and sponsorship).
I like the vision, the layout, and the two-tracks focus of academics and sports. My obvious interest and passion is two-fold: tennis and the social studies/sciences. I am already thinking of how the Nigerian Tennis Foundation in the United States can play a significant role in enhancing and promoting the vision and mission of TIA. TIA has the potential to become the “hub” and a new “model” for sport development in Nigeria. One quick suggestion, please consider taking out the phrase LAWN in reference to lawn tennis. Tthe term now is Tennis Program. I have your telephone number now and I will call soon.
January 11th, 2009 at 6:09 AM
Big Seg,
Perhaps you can have a discussion with the administration at KFA to inform them that they may need to take a closer look at their accessibility of information for prospective students. You have quite a few students contacting you for information relating to KFA and you are a competitor. While it may be good for you, it is a great dis-service to students hungry for information. Maybe you can share best practices with them because at the end of the day, it is all about educating our future. I visited the website again, nice job.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:53 AM
Dear Sadiq and Nikki,
Thanks for your reactions and suggestions. I shall work on them. By the way the info on the TIA website is old now but still instructive. Wole, my brother, is working on doing an updated one that will be active with space for latest information on the school as there is a lot going on there. THE PAST ONE YEAR IN THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN TERRIFIC FOR EVERYONE EXCEPT ME. I am expecting a lot more than we have got now from our experiemnt. But things are improving daily and progress in every area is been achieved. I take Sadiq’s correction about the exclusion of the word LAWN. But here in Nigeria Tennis could be confused with Table Tennis that is very popular also and which TIA does not offer.
I don’t have any additional info on Kwara Football Academy I would have gladly offered it to all. We are not competitors at all. The focus of TIA is totally different I assure you. It will become in a few years time the best scholar-athlete secondary school in the world! Thats where we are heading!!! I need the input of both of you amongs others, to accelerate and facilitate the process!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Dear Segun,
Indeed, we need a boni fide scholar-athlete secondary school in Nigeria with a legitimate curriculum and instruction, particularly in the sports academy tracks. Ultimately the school will be the best in the world and producing individuals with global knowledge, character, skills, and disposition for a NEW YEAR! You have my unwavering support and commitment to provide the necessary input and recommendations in order to accelerate and facilitate the process forward. Muri Ajibade has just emailed me that he planned to meet with you next week. I have asked him to bring back pamphlets and other materials. We shall discuss more via email and phone calls. I will also call Brother Wale to introduce myself to him. Our generation has been blessed with the intellect, the know-how, the contacts, the courage, and the HUMANITY to lay the foundation for a One Nigeria. Your school and your efforts are exemplary.
January 28th, 2009 at 9:43 PM
i am a footballer i play for river lan football club. i wish to join the academy
February 1st, 2009 at 12:40 AM
i need the address of the football academy i want all the full details of the school fee
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 PM
am ready to be among the player in the academy now.(08038936316_
February 13th, 2009 at 8:38 PM
i need the club requirements age;13 years my phone number is 08020734108
February 14th, 2009 at 12:50 PM
From: HALLMARKS international football management organisation
Abidjan,Cote d’ivoire,
Mobile:+22506058370
Landd phone:+22521267826
http://www.hallmarksfootballacademy.weebly.com
Dear Sir,
Hallmarks International Football Management Organisation is a talents search and skills development football organisation,engages in recruiting young and talented footballers for possible absorption into professional clubs.
We are a talent search and skills development football organisation,based in Abidjan,Cote d”ivoire.
We want you to collaborate with you ,maybe we can be sending some of our talented young footballers of Boys and Girls to your football Academy for proper training and Development.
We also have talented footballers of 1.80 to 1.88 in hieght,we can give them to you on free transfer.
We will be responsible for their flight ticket,visa,Accomodation,feeding and other necessary documents.
You can visit our website: http://www.hallmarksfootballacademy.weebly.com
Thanks so much,we awaiting your quick response,
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Christiana Adebayor
February 22nd, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Mrs Christiana Adebayor,
I have visited your website and it does not say much, to say the least.
You said and I quote “We are a talent search and skills development football organisation,based in Abidjan,Cote d”ivoire”.
If you already develop these footballer’s skills, why are you sending them somewhere else? For proper training and development?
I can’t find any of the clubs and foreign partners you claim to be affiliated with.
I am just wondering what your intentions are?
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:49 PM
Jaguar has said it all.
February 27th, 2009 at 11:24 PM
i wanna know the date that the form will be out.
February 28th, 2009 at 2:51 PM
i want to know the date that the form will be out
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 PM
The foms will be out this week. Watch out in the newspapers (Complete Sports and Punch) and on the website (theinternationalacademy,org). Good luck!
March 9th, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Thanks. Check out the school’s website. It is theinternationalacademy.org. Admission of students for the 2009/2010 academic session has just been advertised in the Nigerian media. It is a good time to apply and try your luck. Good luck!
March 12th, 2009 at 2:56 PM
i want to be part of the KFA Program.
March 21st, 2009 at 12:52 AM
I am not a part of the Kwara Football Academy. You may have to go to Ilorin to get the forms!
March 21st, 2009 at 2:14 PM
i have interest in the academy, pls send details to me through my e-mail address
April 4th, 2009 at 11:58 PM
i saw ur blog site on 1 of d dailies,nice job keep it up
April 18th, 2009 at 9:02 AM
check out www:theinternationalacademy.org
May 18th, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I want to register to be a member of the student in the academy. Based on this, I need to know the requirement that would be needed to get registered as soon as possible and my email is kc.josma@yahoo.com
June 1st, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Dear Mr Odegbami,
I was wondering if you have any facilities/ opportunities available to younger boys i.e primary school. My son is 9yrs. He loves footie with a passion and has been opportuned to be coached by the renowned Paul Wood of UK-based Woody Freestyle Academy.
We recently relocated from England and i am beginning to feel like, as a mother, i have cheated him, as we are yet to discover a good opportunity to explore his talent.
We plan on sending him to the AC Milan Junior Football Camp over the summer, but my question is, do we not have any such programs within our own country where young boys can develop their talents?
Please advice. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:21 AM
I do not know of any such programme even though I believe there would be one or two football teachers around that would be organising clinics during the coming summer break. My school is actually thinking of a summer camp but the boarding facilities can only take a small number that would make it uneconomical for us. I believe that from next year we shall start a major programme that would suit your son’s interest! Meanwhile, I wish you plenty of luck as your son pursues his dream in football!
June 11th, 2009 at 8:11 PM
i want my boy to come to your school because he is very talented.how can u help me
June 17th, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Hello dear sir,
How are all fellow footballers in the academy and i hope they are having good sessions out there,anyways i am from Lagos state and i am originally from Ogun state,i am through with my secondary school studies and i really want to be a real footballer in future thats why i was introduced to this academy to see if my dreams can come through by the help of joining the academy…anyways i wish to learn more about every necessary requirement of the academy…and i pray it goes out well for me…well hope this finds you well…thanks
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:28 PM
team from cameroun that travel from nigeria to turkey want to play a friendly they are in beesam hotel at lagos u can call on 08097414007 or 08023918229 email us at tino4real_love@yahoo.com:
July 3rd, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Hello,
I am a parrent off a player from Royal Antwerp Football Club, who at this moment are visiting the Kwara Football Academy en tomworrow playing a game against the KFA. If possible, can someone sent us a internetadress where we can follow this game in Europe. Also her in Anwerpen their is a lot off attention for our childrens adventure at your beatiful country.
I also wish everbody oiver their good luck en my regards.
Kurt Kerstens
Antwerpen, België
July 7th, 2009 at 6:34 PM
Perfect time to think of going professional. But first complete your studies. You have time and will have the intellectual depth after graduating!
Good luck.
July 20th, 2009 at 11:37 AM
hi KFA,
is their any school in the academy?
my son just finish his primary school and i want him to come and start his secondary carrier over their.
when is the form going to be available and what ar ur requirement.
if their is any website pls let me know.
thanks
July 27th, 2009 at 3:34 PM
i leave in abuja and am from enugu state, please sir i need to fulfill my dreams i know that coming to your academy will improve my football carear, i am 19yrs old i play and love football withmy whole heart my mail adrress is tochukwu_igwe@yahoo.com telephone number is 08064012546 thant you and God bless you as you reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Anthony, that which you run away from is what you really need -University! I assure you that you will never regret taking that critical decision now. You can still play your football non campus just like Adokie, Nwachi, Eyo, Ekeji, Akinwale, Owolabi, Olofinjana, Oliseh, Inyeamah, Odegbam Wole, Okenla, Olagunju, (all of them graduates and international football players at one time or the other) did!You can do it. Don’t leave your studies for football please! What you need is the University of Ilorin, not Kwara Football Academy! I know you dont want to hear that, but thats the gospel truth!
September 20th, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Pls sir i am hungry for ur academy, kfa, bcos i have finished my secondary school & passed my jamb exam while preparing for university bcos of the late coming form bcos am not ready to go to university cos my career is in football & my parent allowed me to go ahead but i dont kno anythiny about d academy and i hav go throu there websit but no respond pls help me to kno when the form will be out and it amount bcos am in hurry and capable to be there pls help me.
September 30th, 2009 at 5:19 AM
Hello Players,
This is to inform you that there is tryout presently going on in ROCHESTER CITY FC USA, any player who wishes to play should e-mail fcacademy@rochestercityfc.com.
Regards
Ann White
October 9th, 2009 at 4:45 PM
I don’t belong to Kwara Football Academy so I don’t have any information for you. My own Academy is The International Sports Academy, You will find info on this on the internet if you go to theinternationalacademy.org
Good luck!
Segun
October 17th, 2009 at 5:59 PM
I want to register to be a member of the student in the academy. Based on this, I need to know the requirement that would be needed to get registered as soon as possible.
November 7th, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Hello sir my name is wale i love football and i want to be a great footballer in world am 18 year old pls i want you to show me the way and how i cant get a good football academy like this academy.my mail add is walexsoccer@gmail.com.
November 11th, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Hello sir my name is kehinde am living at lagos but am also a kwara the name of my town in kwara state is oke ile after igbaja, I love football I would like to play with my state am also thanks our governor bukola saraki (I pray that God we be with him in the name of Allah) I we be expecting your message through my email address or my mobile phone 08039512913.
Secondly I am 19 year old sir i we like to reply me sir and send me our detail sir than i want to know everything about the admission i would to everything that it sir
FROM YOUR LOVELY STUDENT IS ALSO A GOOD PLAYER
November 12th, 2009 at 5:18 PM
please i am a young and determine footballer, and i wish to join your football academy. i am from lagos state nigeria.
April 17th, 2010 at 12:14 AM
Dear Sir,
I was travelling to abeokuta with a friend when your academy was pointed out to me.
I must commend you on this project. I would however need more details concerning admission into the academy for my nephew who loves football.
Please keep up the good work and God Bless you.
July 8th, 2010 at 5:14 PM
Ilorin is a very great town which i have never believed it the way it is now.
But it was only football that people normally spend money on.
Pls Mr Bukola Saraki can u build up a Tennis training program in ilorin as capital of Kwara state. we love tennis in kwara state.
Thanks
October 8th, 2010 at 3:49 AM
I am not a part of the Kwara Football Academy. I don’t know how to get in. I academy I am involved in is The International (SPORTS) Academy, Wasimi, Ogun State. You can find out about it if you visit the website. it is theinternatioanlacademy.org
February 19th, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Dear Sir,
I was travelling to Jos with a friend when your academy was pointed out to me.
I must commend you on this project. I would however need more details concerning admission into the academy for my brother who loves football.
Please this is my number 08097579736 and God Bless you.
March 15th, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Hello sir
my name is Olamilekan a.k.a Lami………..i got your Foothball Academy trough the internet…………..plaese i need more details………..i want to know when the Form will be available………… please this my number 07030618462 or my yahoo id is …….tboi_wide@yahoo.com
God will bless you and grant your request in Jesus name (Amen)
thanks…
March 22nd, 2011 at 2:26 AM
Please I need to know when the form will be out because I want to build my career in football through Great KFA, I also need the requirements please help me.
Thanks
March 30th, 2011 at 11:39 AM
hi
i am Austin jimmy from Nigeria, am 15years boy who is desperate to play on top,am a good winger with great pace andli great skills on the ball,good vision,technique,and also good speed and great attacking force.
I’m seeking for help,my CV will be forwarded to you in due cause.Hope to hear from u sir…
thanks
Best Regards
March 31st, 2011 at 12:12 PM
i went to register in the team and to know when the form will be out.
April 7th, 2011 at 7:51 PM
my uncle want to bring me there but i cant find the registration form
April 7th, 2011 at 7:53 PM
PLS I BEG YOU IN THE NAME OF GOD
January 30th, 2012 at 7:50 PM
Good day Sir, I want to partake in this football Academy