AFA Football Academy schedules three friendly matches in Ilorin

AFA Football Academy schedules three friendly matches in Ilorin 

AFA Football Academy, based in Lafiagi, in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State has scheduled a tour of Ilorin, where they are expected to play three friendly matches between August 15th to August 17th, 2025.

The Academy, owned by US-based entrepreneur and ex-player, Aliyu Issa Aeidu, are expected to play against Kwara United Football Club, Abubakar Bukola Sàràkí Football Club and Kwara Football Academy. 

AFA Football Academy was launched at the Lafiagi Township Stadium in February this year, to open up a footballing empowerment initiative for the youths. 

It’s a new sports talent nurturing outfit with a dedication to cultivating local football talent and nurturing young individuals in their pursuit of professional aspirations, especially from the state.

The team is expected to arrive Ilorin on Friday August 15, and depart on Monday August 18, after the friendly matches. 

The Academy, since it's inauguration, have played several trial matches and competitions in Kaduna, Abuja and Lagos, as a way of exposing the players, and creating opportunities for them. 

Aeidu said that the vision behind the initiative was to create a career pathway for the talented youths, especially in Lafiagi and it's environs, to give back to the society and to check social vices. 

"We want to grow local football so that we can be able to minimise crime through the engagement and empowerment of youths through football. It’s also a way of community development”, he averred.

“I had a lot of dreams growing up as a footballer, but I couldn’t make it. I had the opportunity to go abroad, where most things are not done by the government, but by private individuals.

“I want to bring back here what I have learnt, so that we can help our young talented players to grow, as charged the youths to take advantage of the opportunity.