A nation that has traditionally dominated African football, Nigeria has developed over a long period an enviable portfolio of academies, which are creating the future stars.
The academies have established themselves as the backbone of football development in the country, providing young players with a pathway to professional careers both locally and internationally.
For parents and aspiring footballers, key questions remain: where are these academies, what do they cost, and what opportunities do they offer?
This article delves into the world of football academies in Nigeria, examining their locations, top schools, costs, and influence these establishments have on the career paths of those who pass through their halls.
Table of Contents
The Growing Importance Of Football Academies In Nigeria
The emergence of football schools in Nigeria is part of a broader trend on the African continent, where football is increasingly viewed as a career or profession, attracting many young people.
Such academies have proved crucial to players keen on honing their talents, availing of international scouting opportunities, and securing opportunities to play in the best teams in the world in recent decades.
In comparison with conventional grassroots football, the latter usually implies training in informal conditions with teams or amateur clubs, while football academies imply a more structured nature.
They offer on-field coaching and academic education that make the players well-rounded. Additionally, they provide international tournament exposure, helping students develop a strong football resume that can lead to scholarships or professional contracts.
Nigeria hosts one of the most respected academies on the African continent, and most of its graduates rise to the international stage to represent the nation in the local leagues as well as in the best football clubs in Europe.
We outline some of the most wholesome football academies in Nigeria below.
Mapping Nigeria’s Football Academy Landscape
Football academies are located across various regions of Nigeria, making it accessible for young players from different parts of the country. Here’s an overview of some of the most reputable football academies:
1. Pepsi Football Academy
The Pepsi Football Academy is one of Nigeria’s oldest football academies, having developed talent in the country.
The academy was established by Kashimawo Laloko, who has produced several stars who have ended up representing Nigeria in international competitions.
Players such as Mikel John Obi, Sunday Mba and Elderson Echiéjilé spend time at this academy. Pepsi Football Academy not only focuses on the technical aspects of the upcoming players but also addresses the mental side of the game.
They ensured young players are prepared to tackle the challenges of professional football. The academy is situated in multiple places across Nigeria, which has a broad scope.
View this post on Instagram
Location: Agege Stadium, Lagos
Established: 1992
Social Media
Instagram – pepsifootballacademynigeria
2. Ilaji Soccer Academy
Ilaji Soccer Academy, though not a very old team in the Nigerian football scene, has already made a name for itself as a team to reckon with.
The academy is situated in the upscale Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, which provides the best facilities to its trainees.
Besides having great football training programs as discussed earlier, Ilaji Soccer Academy also offers accommodation, healthcare, pharmacies, and nutritional support programs to its students.
International exposure of the players is also made available at the academy, as they have been known to dispatch scouts to international competitions, giving their students a global exposure.
View this post on Instagram
Location: Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran, Ibadan, Oyo State
Established: 2018
Social Media
Instagram – IlajiFC
3. Kwara Football Academy
Kwara Football Academy is an initiative by the government, to select and talent-hunting young football talents.
It offers both athletic and football education, which is a significant advantage for players who never reach professional levels.
The academy is located in Ilorin, Kwara State, and has an impeccable reputation for providing high-quality training and academic subjects.
It has become a hotbed of many players who have ended up playing at the most prominent local clubs and even in Europe.
Kwara Football Academy is said to be one of the best football development schemes in Northern Nigeria.
View this post on Instagram
Location: Ilorin, Kwara State
Established: 2005
Social Media
Instagram – kfailorin
4. 36 Lions Football Academy
Lions Football Academy is one of the oldest and most respected academies in Lagos. It has delivered a lot of professional footballers who have played in Europe and other regions of Africa.
The academy is well-established within the Nigerian football circle, with an extensive network of scouts and agents.
36 Lions not only focuses on the development of player off the field but also in discipline and the mental or off the field training of each player. Their comprehensive training process makes them the first choice among young players.
View this post on Instagram
Location: Lagos
Social Media
Instagram – 36Lionfc
5. Midas Football Academy
Founded to combine both football and education, Midas Football Academy is committed to producing well-rounded individuals.
The academy focuses on developing players with strong technical skills, discipline, and leadership qualities.
Midas Football Academy is known for its emphasis on academic success alongside football development, ensuring that players are not only excellent on the field but also equipped with knowledge that will benefit them off the field.
View this post on Instagram
Location: Lagos
Social Media
Instagram – midasacademy
6. Juventus Academy Nigeria
An extension of the esteemed Italian club, Juventus, offering coaching grounded in global standards, tactical discipline, and technical development.
The academy opens doors to the Juventus Academy World Cup in Italy, bridging Nigerian talent to European exposure.
Location: Legacy Place, 1619 Danmole Street (Off Idejo Street), Victoria Island, Lagos.
Additional centers used for tryouts: Pinefield Schools at Christ Avenue, Off Admiralty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island, Lagos; Meadowhall School at Meadowhall Way, Alma Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos; and The Stable Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos.
View this post on Instagram
Established: 2018
Social Media
Instagram – jacademynigeria
7. Sporting Lagos Academy
The youth wing of Sporting Lagos FC, this academy offers a modern, values-driven approach that fuses football skill development with leadership and community engagement.
Location: Lagos (specific street addresses are not publicly shared)
Sporting Lagos FC plays home games at Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan Stadium) in Lagos Island, which gives an idea of the academy’s base of operations.
View this post on Instagram
Established: 2022 (academy circa 2023).
Social Media
Instagram – slfcacademy
8. AS Roma Academy Nigeria (Abuja)
This academy brings the Italian club’s training focusing on tactical intelligence, ball mastery, and mental resilience—to Abuja. It supports international scouting and professional integration.
View this post on Instagram
Location: Flat 3, House 12, NNPC Estate Street, Utako, NNPC Estate, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
On-field training: M.K.O. Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Established: December 2020 (operations commenced).
Social Media
Instagram – asromaacademyng
Burna Boy Football Academy
The Burna Boy Football Academy is a youth development initiative founded by acclaimed Nigerian artist Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu).
The academy aims to nurture aspiring footballers by offering structured training, mentorship, and educational support, promoting both athletic excellence and personal growth.
HEY 👋 BBFA FAM
Excited to update you all of our darling Burnaboy Football academy export GODSWILL debuting for the top Tunisian side @stadetunisien48
View clips below 👇 pic.twitter.com/64zd02FqRV
— Burna boy Football Show/Academy (@burnaboyfs) August 8, 2025
Locations: Ikoyi (Lekki area), Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Port Harcourt (Elekahia Stadium area), Abuja (Wuse 2 area).
Registration Details
Fees: 500k NGN one-time registration, plus 100k NGN monthly fee
How to Apply: Visit the academy’s official website, submit an application, or request a trial via email or their contact form. Subsidies and waivers may be available for eligible candidates.
Social Media: burnaboyfs
Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA)
Established in 2022 by Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala in collaboration with Nike and Women Win, the academy aims to provide football training integrated with life skills for marginalized schoolgirls in Lagos.
The academy is managed by the Asisat Oshoala Foundation (founded in 2015), which handles the day-to-day operations.
AOA offers 90-minute football training sessions three times a week for girls aged 12 to 18, paired with empowering life skills education and rights-based training.
The academy has produced national-level talents, such as Seimeyeha Akekoromewei, and supports alternative career paths through vocational training (e.g., hairdressing, carpentry) in partnership with Lagos State.
AOA also uses Hudl technology such as video capture and analysis via Hudl Focus Flex and Wyscout to elevate training quality and visibility for talent scouting globally.
View this post on Instagram
Locations: Ojuelegba (Abalti Barracks), Surulere.
Contact Info: [email protected]
Academy Costs: Investment In Future Stars
Joining a football academy is an investment in a young player’s future, and this investment can be pretty costly, depending on the academy.
Below is a breakdown of the costs involved in attending some of the top football academies in Nigeria:
Pepsi Football Academy
Registration Fees:
Ages 5–14: ₦6,000
Ages 15 and above: ₦12,000
Additional Costs: The academy offers scholarships, but players may have to pay for training kits, travel, and other miscellaneous costs. Training is usually free for the selected players.
Ilaji Soccer Academy
Registration Fees: Not publicly disclosed, but you can get more information on registration from their website.
Additional Costs: Fees for boarding, training, and other services are applicable. Due to the high standard of facilities provided, it is expected that fees will be on the higher end of the scale.
Kwara Football Academy
Boarding Students:
New Students: ₦324,500
Returning Students: ₦229,500 (₦279,500 with textbooks)
Day Students:
New Students: ₦164,500
Returning Students: ₦139,500
Professional Cadre:
Boarding: ₦226,500
Day: ₦71,500
Registration Fee: ₦12,500
Additional Costs: the fee covers accommodation, uniforms, and other related services, with no direct charge for training. To carry out the registration, you can do that on their website.
36 Lions Football Academy
Fees: Not publicly disclosed
Overview: The academy has a reputation for producing quality players and offers scholarships based on merit.
However, players must still account for travel, accommodation, and training kits. You can make the registration on the website.
Midas Football Academy
Fees: ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 per year
Overview: Midas Academy charges annual fees that cover both football training and educational expenses. The academy offers boarding and day options, depending on the needs of the student.
Player Output: From Grassroots to Glory
The success of these academies is ultimately measured by the players they produce. Here’s a look at how some of Nigeria’s top academies have fared in terms of player output:
Pepsi Football Academy
Notable Alumni:
Mikel John Obi (Chelsea, Nigeria National Team)
Sunday Mba (Olympique de Marseille, Nigeria National Team)
Elderson Echiéjilé (AS Monaco, Nigeria National Team)
Pepsi Football Academy has a long track record of producing internationally recognized players. The academy’s partnership with top European clubs and its extensive scouting network have ensured that its players are well-positioned for professional careers.
Many of its graduates go on to represent Nigeria at the highest levels of international football.
Ilaji Soccer Academy
International Partnerships: Ilaji Soccer Academy has made a mark by partnering with international football clubs, giving its players exposure to European football.
While it is still a young academy, it has a solid track record of sending players abroad for trials, ensuring that its students are visible to international scouts.
Kwara Football Academy
Notable Alumni:
Emmanuel Dennis (Nottingham Forest, England)
Raymond Japhet (FIFA U-17 World Cup Winner)
Scouting is fully developed at Kwara Academy, providing players with an opportunity to secure professional contracts.
Its students have become successful players in the Nigerian Premier League and overseas teams since it has been interested not only in football development but also in character building.
36 Lions Football Academy
At 36 Lions Academy, scouting is well established, which enables players to get professional contracts.
With a focus on both football development and character building, many of its students have become successful players in the Nigerian Premier League and overseas teams.
Midas Football Academy
Through discipline and long-term development, Midas Football Academy equips its students with the necessary skills to excel as professional football players upon graduation—local clubs and, in some cases, international clubs often scout the academy’s alumni.
Summary Table: Top Football Academies in Nigeria (2025)
| Academy | Location (Exact Address) | Registration Fee (₦) | Other Fees / Notes | Notable Alumni |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepsi Football Academy | Agege Stadium, Lagos | 6,000 – 12,000 | Training kit, travel, misc. | Mikel John Obi, Sunday Mba, Elderson Echiéjilé |
| Ilaji Soccer Academy | Ilaji Hotels & Sports Resort, Akanran, Ibadan, Oyo State | Not Disclosed | Boarding, training, high-end facilities | — |
| Kwara Football Academy | Ilorin, Kwara State | Reg’n: 12,500; Boarding: 324,500; Day: 164,500 | Textbooks separate | Emmanuel Dennis, Raymond Japhet |
| 36 Lions Football Academy | Lagos | Not Disclosed | Travel, accommodation, kits, and scholarships | — |
| Midas Football Academy | Lagos | 200,000 – 400,000 per year | Covers training and education | — |
| Juventus Academy Nigeria | Legacy Place, 1619 Danmole Street, Off Idejo Street, Victoria Island; (Tryout centres in Lekki & Surulere) | Not specified publicly | Tryout fee ~₦15,000 | — |
| Sporting Lagos Academy | Lagos (based likely near Onikan Stadium) | Not disclosed | — | — |
| AS Roma Academy Abuja | Training at M.K.O. Abiola National Stadium, Abuja; Office: Flat 3, House 12, NNPC Estate Street, Utako, FCT | Not disclosed | Includes residence, academics, and full support | — |
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
The Nigerian football academy system has become a cornerstone of the nation’s sporting success.
Through a growing network of established institutions, Nigeria continues to produce players who make their mark both at home and on the global stage. These academies provide far more than technical training: they instil discipline, offer academic support, and open doors to international opportunities.
With structured programmes, scholarships, and exposure to scouts from Europe and beyond, the next generation of Nigerian footballers is being equipped to carry the country’s rich footballing legacy forward.
As the number of academies expands, so too does the pool of young talent ready to emerge on the world stage. The future of Nigerian football looks not only secure but full of promise.
