By Othniel Canice
Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria — Geezers Football Academy, a prominent sports organization, has announced plans to launch a nationwide football league for secondary schools across Nigeria, aimed at promoting community development and youth empowerment.
The competition is set to kick off in 2025, with a pilot program to be launched in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Nationwide Football League to Begin in 2025
At an end-of-year media event in Abuja, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the Director of Media and Publicity for Geezers Sports Limited, revealed the academy’s ambitious plans for the competition. The initiative aims to create a platform for young Nigerians to showcase their talents, develop their skills, and foster a sense of community through sports.
“The pilot project will kick off in the FCT next year as a demonstration of what we intend to achieve,” Olajengbesi said. He emphasized that the initiative is more than just a football competition, but also a vehicle to nurture young people and help them discover their potential.
“We are calling on partners from all sectors to join us in this nationwide project, which we believe will provide a conducive environment for youth to thrive, especially through football,” he added. Olajengbesi stressed that the league will focus on creating sustainable opportunities for young talent, in collaboration with stakeholders from football, education, and community development sectors.
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Key Focus: Youth Empowerment Through Football
The Geezers Football Academy aims to use the league as a tool for youth empowerment, encouraging personal growth and teamwork among participants. The competition will be open to secondary school teams from across Nigeria, with a focus on developing young athletes who may not have access to traditional football opportunities.
“The idea is to create a network of young talents from all corners of the country, allowing them to compete, learn, and grow both as athletes and individuals,” Olajengbesi explained.
In addition to the football league, the academy also plans to implement a series of support programs for players, including mentorship, educational workshops, and exposure to professional opportunities within the sports industry.
‘Africa Role Model Awards’ to Inspire the Next Generation
As part of its broader commitment to youth development, Geezers Sports is also planning to introduce the Africa Role Model Awards, a new initiative designed to inspire young people across the continent. According to Olajengbesi, the award program will recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, particularly in football and other youth-centric endeavors.
“The Africa Role Model Awards will celebrate those who have served as role models, not only in football but in all areas of life,” he said. “The goal is to give young aspiring stars someone to look up to, whether in sports or other professions.”
The awards will feature categories that recognize excellence, leadership, and community impact, providing role models for young people to emulate.
Call for Collaboration and Support
With the official launch of the nationwide football league set for 2025, Olajengbesi made a passionate call to potential partners in both the public and private sectors to support the initiative. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between football organizations, educational institutions, and community development groups to create a robust system that would nurture young talents in Nigeria and beyond.
“We are looking forward to collaborating with key stakeholders who share our vision of creating opportunities for young talents,” Olajengbesi said. “By working together, we can provide sustainable pathways for young people to excel, both on and off the field.”
