Five Months, Two Trophies and European Transfer: Yewa Academy Emerges as Fast-Rising Football Project in Nigeria
Five Months, Two Trophies and European Transfer: Yewa Academy Emerges as Fast-Rising Football Project in Nigeria
Newly established Yewa Football Club (Yewa FC), based in Ilaro, Ogun State, is rapidly making waves in grassroots football following landmark partnerships with top European clubs, early trophy successes and the transfer of young talents abroad within just five months of operation.
Founded in 2025 by Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Nigerian-Canadian footballer Promise David, the club was created to discover young talents and connect them with global opportunities.
In a major breakthrough last December, Yewa FC sealed developmental partnerships with leading Belgian clubs including RSC Anderlecht, Club Brugge KV and KRC Genk.
The agreement followed discussions led by Solomon David Bamidele, the club’s representative and President of ASVO, who described the development as a new dawn for grassroots football and a gateway to stronger Nigeria-Europe football connections.
From his base in Belgium, Promise David hailed the partnership as a major step forward for the club’s vision, stating that the management remains committed to helping young players thrive.
He emphasized that the initiative is designed to create lasting opportunities for youths with football talent while strengthening the pathway between Nigerian grassroots football and the European stage.
On the domestic scene, Yewa FC has also made impressive strides under the leadership of Head Coach Bolaji Abdulkadri and Administrative Manager Mojeed Ibrahim.
The club has remained active in local competitions, using tournaments as platforms to sharpen players’ skills and expose them to competitive football environments.
One of the club’s biggest achievements came also later in December 2025 with Samurai Football League, where Yewa FC Academy emerged champions with an unbeaten record despite being barely two months old at the time.
The academy recorded two wins and one draw in the four-team competition, scoring three goals and conceding just one to secure its first major trophy and announce its arrival as a fast-growing football project.
Within five months of launching the project, Yewa FC added another title by winning the Cool Hopefuls Tournament in March 2026, bringing their total to two trophies in a short period.
The club has also recorded success in player development, securing transfers for two promising talents, Godwin Oshagbemi to NK Omis in Croatia and Mubarak Ogunleye Akore to NK Dubrava Zagreb in Europe—further confirming its growing reputation as a rising force in grassroots football development.
