By Oluwamayowa Fakande
Former Super Eagles defender and coach, Kadiri Ikhana, MON, has announced plans to launch a grassroots football academy for children aged 8 to 12 in Auchi, Edo State, in August 2025.
Speaking from his hometown, Ikhana revealed that the Kadiri Ikhana Football Academy will begin with 60 players across the U8, U10, and U12 age categories.
While the exact launch date remains undisclosed, preparations are well underway.
“At the moment, I’m not involved with any club or national team, but I feel a strong desire to groom young talents at the grassroots and teach them the basics of the game,” said Ikhana, a 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner and 2003 CAF Champions League-winning coach with Enyimba.
He emphasized that the academy is part of his effort to give back to society by nurturing young talents early.
“It’s going to be challenging, but if you guide them early on the right path, it benefits both the players and the society,” he noted.
Ikhana, 73, has had an illustrious coaching career with top clubs including Enyimba, Sharks, and Kano Pillars, and also managed Nigeria’s U23 team, the Olympic Eagles.
