Na-Royal Football Academy land in Denmark for invitational tour

Na-Royal Football Academy land in Denmark for invitational tour

_Elemona Charges Players on Discipline as Historic Partnership with Hvidovre IF Begins_

It’s a new dawn for grassroots football in Nigeria as players and technical crew of NA-Royal Football Academy have safely landed in Denmark for a two-week invitational football tour. 

The trip marks the academy’s first major international outing under its newly signed strategic partnership with Danish club Hvidovre Fodbold Club. The Ilemona-based side departed Nigeria on Sunday, carrying the hopes of Kwara State and Nigerian youth football to Europe.

Royal Father Sends Team Off With Charge;
The send-off was led by the founder of the academy and Elemona of Ilemona, HRM Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf Alowonle, who also serves as ADC to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Addressing the players and coaches at the academy’s base, the monarch stressed that talent without character means nothing.  
> “As you go to Denmark, remember you are representing Ilemona, Kwara State, and Nigeria. Uphold discipline, patriotism, and professionalism at all times. Eschew any act that will bring shame to this club and our country,” HRM Alowonle charged.

He urged the players to maximize every training session and match, noting that European scouts will be watching closely.  
To the coaches, his message was firm;
> “Treat every player as your own child. This tour is about development, not favouritism. Give every boy a fair chance to shine.”

Partnership Already Yielding Results – Sporting Director;
The academy’s Sporting Director, Alhaji Funsho Muhammed, described the Denmark trip as the first fruit of the MoU signed with Hvidovre Fodbold earlier this year.

> “We are not just going for a tour of Denmark. We are going to project, showcase, and market African football to the world. This partnership is about technical growth, cultural exchange, and giving our boys a real chance to be seen by European scouts,” Alhaji Funsho said.

Key benefits of the NA-Royal / Hvidovre partnership;
1. Player Exchange: Two trips to Denmark per season for tournaments, training camps, and trials
2. Technical Exposure: NA-Royal coaches will understudy Hvidovre’s academy structure, sports science, and European training methodology.

The Sporting Director assured that the academy will strictly adhere to all tenets of the agreement to ensure sustainable growth for Nigerian football.

Captain Pledges Good Conduct;
Speaking on behalf of the team, captain Saliu Funsho Abdulrasheed expressed gratitude to the Elemona for fully funding the expedition.  
> “On behalf of my teammates, we promise to be of good conduct. We will work hard, respect our coaches and hosts, and make NA-Royal Academy and Nigeria proud. We won’t take this opportunity for granted.”

Parents, academy staff, and community members were on ground to bid the team farewell, with prayers and words of encouragement.

What to Expect in Denmark;
While in Denmark, NA-Royal will:  
- Play friendly matches against top Danish academy sides  
- Compete in the invitational tournament hosted by Hvidovre IF  
- Train for two weeks at *Hvidovre IF’s state-of-the-art facilities*  
- Attend workshops on player development, nutrition, and sports psychology  

Scouts from other European clubs are expected to be present throughout the tour.

The team is scheduled to return to Nigeria in August with technical reports, scouting feedback, and a roadmap for the next exchange program slated for December.

FULL LIST OF PLAYERS IN DENMARK:
The 20-man squad representing NA-Royal in Denmark include: Adewumi Taiwo Nurudeen, Saliu Funsho Abdulrasheed (Captain), Oyewole Olayiwola, Muhammed Qowiyu Atanda, Aliu Oluwabukunmi Adedayo, Abdulhameed Mubaraq, Isiaq Hammed, Akaje Babatunde, Afolabi Khalid Abiodun, Asoguni Amah, Gbadegeshin, Sulaiman Richard Oluwatosin, Solomon Chibueze, Amuzat Qureeb Damilola, Orkuma Tobias Terver, Coach Mahmud Yahaya Alawo, Coach Ahmed Bolaji and Alhaji Funsho Muhammed.

*A Milestone for Kwara Football*
The successful landing in Denmark is already being celebrated across Kwara as a major milestone. For many, it proves what is possible when traditional rulers and community leaders directly invest in youth development.

With the Elemona’s backing and the Hvidovre partnership, NA-Royal is positioning itself as a model for how Nigerian academies can build credible, direct pathways to Europe — without middlemen.

#NARoyalInDenmark #GrassrootsToGlobal #Elemona #KwaraToTheWorld #HvidovrePartnership #NigerianFootball

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