Academy Founder Calls For Stronger Grassroots Football Structure In Nigeria
By TAYO TAIWO (T.T.) OLUWOLE
YEMI Idowu, proprietor of Nath Boys Football Academy, has called for a stronger grassroots and youth football structure to drive Nigeria’s football development.
Idowu praised local academies for producing talented players now thriving abroad but lamented the absence of a robust youth league system to support domestic growth.
He urged government at all levels to invest in basic playing fields, youth leagues, and local coach support rather than costly stadiums.
Idowu cited Morocco’s structured grassroots model as an example Nigeria could emulate, stressing the need for consistent junior competitions and better player tracking.
He also advised league clubs to give younger players more opportunities, warning that without stronger youth systems, Nigeria’s league would continue losing top talents early.
