Igbaja Illustrious sons boost Highlanders Football Academy after successful screening exercise
Igbaja Illustrious sons boost Highlanders Football Academy after successful screening exercise
The Highlanders Football Academy has continued to gather momentum following its recently concluded successful screening exercise and a strategic courtesy visit to notable sons of Igbaja in Lagos by its Sporting Director, Abubakar Olasunkanmi Quadri.
The academy recently organised a week-long screening exercise held between April 5th and 10th, 2026, which attracted 65 young participants within the 9–18 years age bracket from Igbaja and neighbouring communities.
The exercise was widely regarded as a success, with organisers praising the enthusiasm and quality displayed by the young football talents. Training sessions for newly admitted players are scheduled to commence on April 22, 2026, marking the next phase of the academy’s development programme.
Building on the success of the screening, the Sporting Director embarked on a courtesy visit to prominent stakeholders in Lagos to seek support and strengthen ties with community leaders and philanthropists who share interest in youth development.
Among the early supporters is Dr. AbdulRasaq Doyin Ogunleye, Chief Executive Officer of Sikeye Hope Clinic and President Igbaja Progressive Union National Executive Council (IPUNEC), who contributed ₦100,000 to support the academy and pledged to do more in the future.
Also lending support was Mr. Ahmed Nurudeen Omotosho, Chief Executive Officer of Tosho Art Gallery, who equally donated ₦100,000 and assured the academy of further assistance as it continues to grow.
In addition,Alhaji Sulyman Adeyemi Oseni, Chief Executive Officer of All Spice Foods Limited also donated N100,000 and promised do more for the academy.
Similarly, Alhaji Kamaldeen Salami Oladigbolu, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Commercial Ltd, pledged his full backing for the academy, assuring its management of his readiness to support its developmental initiatives.
The distinguished personalities commended the vision behind Highlanders Football Academy, describing it as a timely and impactful initiative capable of shaping the future of young talents in Igbaja and beyond. They also praised the brain behind the project for creating a platform that promotes discipline, teamwork, and youth empowerment through sports.
Speaking after the visits, Sporting Director of Highlanders Academy, Abubakar Olasunkanmi Quadri expressed heartfelt appreciation to the donors and stakeholders for their generous commitments and encouragement.
He noted that the support from Igbaja’s illustrious sons would go a long way in strengthening the academy’s operations, especially following the success of its maiden screening exercise.
With the successful screening completed and strong backing from community leaders, Highlanders Football Academy appears set to play a pivotal role in grassroots football development, providing opportunities for young talents to grow, learn, and pursue their dreams in the game.
