Grassroots Football Development Key to Nigeria’s Growth — Idowu

Posted : 20 October 2025

Football academy owner Yemi Idowu has called for stronger grassroots and youth structures to boost Nigeria’s football growth,

Yemi Idowu, proprietor of Nath Boys Football Academy, has reiterated the importance of strengthening grassroots football as the foundation for sustainable growth and success in Nigerian football.

In an interview during the finals of the 2025 1xBet Football Tournament, Idowu expressed satisfaction with the increasing success of young Nigerian players abroad, noting that football academies were producing quality talents.

However, he lamented that Nigeria still lacks a structured youth and junior football system, which he said is vital for league development and player progression.

“Of course, I’m happy with the progress of our young players abroad — that shows football academies are getting it right by producing quality players,” Idowu said.
“However, I’d be happier if we had a proper youth and junior league structure in place to help grow our domestic league.”

Idowu explained that while some academies had achieved success since 2010, Nigeria’s junior football framework still required urgent reform.

“Grassroots football should be given more prominence, especially local leagues and competitions. Coaches and academies need greater recognition and support,” he emphasized.

He compared Nigeria’s system to Morocco’s well-organized youth football program, citing the King Mohammed VI Football Academy as a product of deliberate planning and grassroots investment.

“Morocco’s success didn’t come from building big stadiums but from creating simple grass pitches for regular youth training,” he said.

Idowu urged the government to prioritize affordable playing facilities over costly stadium projects, calling on state and local governments to take ownership of youth football, while the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) focuses on elite competitions.

He also advised the National Sports Commission to introduce more youth-based leagues and ensure access to football equipment for young players.

“We should provide allowances and training kits for local coaches who nurture young talents. Many of Nigeria’s best players today come from private academies rather than league clubs,” he added.

Idowu further urged clubs not to block opportunities for younger players, encouraging them to integrate youth prospects into their squads.

“Our league clubs should allow young players to feature for at least one or two years before moving abroad. If we continue to block young talents, our league will keep losing its best players,” he warned.

He concluded that Nigeria’s football growth depends largely on prioritizing grassroots development, supporting local academies, and creating opportunities for emerging talents.

Grassroots Football Development Key to Nigeria’s Growth — Idowu

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