Fred Abbey football Academy

EDO STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION UNVEILS FRED ABBEY FOOTBALL ACADEMY TO FOSTER THE NEXT GENERATION OF FOOTBALL STARS

The Edo State Football Association (EDSFA) on Friday, 10th July 2026, officially unveiled the Fred Abbey Football Academy at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, marking another significant milestone in the development of grassroots football across Edo State.

The unveiling ceremony attracted notable personalities from the football community and sports administration, including the Executive Director of the Edo State Sports Committee (South), Hon. Baldwin Bazuaye; Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Fred Newton Ehrunmwunse; Secretary of the Edo State Football Association, Richard Otupate; Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Felix Evbodi; alongside respected coaches, administrators, football enthusiasts and other stakeholders committed to the growth of the game.

Speaking at the event, stakeholders described the establishment of the academy as a timely investment in youth development and a bold step towards creating more opportunities for talented footballers across Edo State and beyond.

With a clear mission “To discover football talents and expose them to the global stage,” the Fred Abbey Football Academy is committed to identifying gifted young players, providing quality football education, nurturing discipline, and preparing them for successful careers both on and off the pitch.

The academy proudly adopts the motto:

“Sharpening Players, Building Character.”

Beyond developing exceptional football abilities, the academy is designed to instill values such as discipline, leadership, teamwork, integrity and responsibility—qualities essential for success in football and everyday life.

Goal

To become one of Nigeria’s leading grassroots football institutions by producing technically gifted, mentally resilient and morally upright footballers capable of competing at national and international levels.

Objectives

* Identify and nurture outstanding football talents through structured scouting and player development programmes.
* Provide professional coaching using modern football training methods and best practices.
* Promote discipline, education, leadership and character development alongside football excellence.
* Create pathways for players to secure opportunities with professional clubs, national teams, scholarships and international football programmes.
* Foster a safe, inclusive and competitive environment that encourages holistic growth for every player.

The academy’s official training ground is located at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Airport Road, Benin City, where players will undergo regular training under qualified coaches in a structured and professional environment.

The Edo State Football Association congratulates the management of the Fred Abbey Football Academy on this remarkable achievement and commends their commitment to investing in the future of football. The Association remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen grassroots football, empower young athletes and further establish Edo State as a leading hub for football development in Nigeria.

Signed:
Edo State Football Association,
Media and Communications Department

Photos from The Fred Abbey Football Academy official unveiling

JPEGs from Day 1 of the Fred Abbey Football Academy trials