Sport
New Hope Stars Football Academy Set to Groom Future Champions in Plateau State
Plateau State’s sporting landscape received a major boost on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with the official launch of the New Hope Stars Football Academy in Jos. The event, held at the academy’s newly completed football facility along Domkat Bali Road, drew football enthusiasts, sports stakeholders, and community members who described it as a landmark stride in grassroots sports development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, commended the initiative, noting that it reflects the growing private sector interest in sports development across the state.
“We are unveiling a new football academy here, and that tells you sports is set to grow aeronautically in Plateau State,” Ashoms said. “Private investors are now showing confidence in our peaceful atmosphere, and this facility will not only groom young talents but also impact families economically.”
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing sports infrastructure across Plateau State, citing the ongoing rehabilitation of the Rwang Pam Township Stadium and preparations to host the Nigeria University Games in November.
“You can see our intentional investment in the sporting sector. Platforms like this create opportunities for discovering future stars who will represent Plateau and Nigeria at international levels,” he added.
Ashoms also lauded the management of New Hope Stars Academy for their foresight and pledged continued collaboration with the state government to ensure sustained growth in youth and sports development.
“New Hope Stars Academy has provided a credible platform for harnessing the energy and creativity of our youth. This aligns with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to youth development and empowerment,” he stated.
Founder and Chairman of the Academy, Mr. Yohanna Gorgi, said the idea was born out of passion and a desire to give young people a chance to achieve their football dreams.
“I have always loved football and saw great talent among youths in Jos. The vision is to help them grow into international stars who can one day play for the Super Eagles or win global honors,” Gorgi said.
He revealed that the project is currently self-funded but open to partnerships with individuals and organizations that share the same vision of youth empowerment through sports.
In his remarks, Mr. Simon Asemoh, Consultant and Director of Programs for the Academy, announced that New Hope Stars has already established international collaborations with clubs in Europe and America for exchange programs.
“This academy is designed to meet global standards. We plan to integrate academic learning with football training so our players are not just talented but also educated and disciplined,” Asemoh explained.
He added that the academy’s expansion plan will include the construction of a school, a recreation center, and the establishment of a female football program.
“We are committed to building complete athletes — disciplined, morally upright, and academically sound. Our goal is to produce world-class players who will make Plateau State and Nigeria proud,” he said.
The launch concluded with an exhibition match between the academy’s under-14 and under-16 teams, offering a glimpse of the promising talents eager to make their mark in Nigerian football.
With the establishment of New Hope Stars Football Academy, Plateau State continues to strengthen its reputation as a cradle of sporting excellence and a breeding ground for future football legends.
News
From Producing Nigerian Internationals to Building Their Own Stadium: Buruj Sports Academy Takes Bold Step as Ikorodu Football Dream Attracts Investors
Buruj Sports Academy is turning years of grassroots football success into an ambitious infrastructure project, unveiling a proposed stadium development in Ikorodu, Lagos State, aimed at transforming opportunities for young Nigerian footballers.
The academy, founded by Dr. Waheed Salaudeen, has presented a new development layout featuring a standard 105m × 68m football pitch, spectator stand, changing rooms, administrative and first-aid facilities, toilets, parking spaces and perimeter security.
The project represents a significant step toward establishing a permanent home for the academy’s growing football development programme.
Buruj’s ambitions are backed by its record of nurturing promising talents, including former Nigeria Under-15 internationals Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen and Fawas Ayomide Adeleke, who represented Nigeria in youth competitions in Morocco and Algeria.
The academy has also facilitated opportunities for players in Spain and Lithuania, while six Buruj youngsters recently earned selection for an international football exposure programme following the Italian Consulate General U-20 Tournament.
Unlike its earlier three-acre, 5,000-seat stadium concept, the latest architectural proposal adopts a more practical, phased approach, beginning with an approximately 80–100-seat stand and essential football facilities. Punch Newspapers +1
Dr. Salaudeen, who serves as founder and Chief Executive Officer, has consistently championed football development alongside education.
“This dream is bigger than Buruj Sports Academy alone. We are appealing to private individuals, corporate organizations, investors, and well-meaning Nigerians to support this vision.”
His appeal reflects a determination to build a sustainable sporting institution capable of serving generations of young Nigerians. Sports247 Nigeria +1
For potential investors, the project offers opportunities in stadium naming rights, facility sponsorship, youth development partnerships, football tournaments and community sports programmes.
With a survey document and proposed layout now presented, Buruj is inviting partners to help turn its vision into reality, subject to necessary technical assessments and development approvals.
From discovering football stars to building the infrastructure that produces them, Buruj Sports Academy is no longer simply dreaming of the future — it is preparing to build it.
News
Beyond the Touchline: Tikitaka FC Winger Boluwatife Kehinde Balances Football with Fashion Designing
For Tikitaka FC right winger Boluwatife Kehinde, football is more than a game; it is a childhood passion he continues to pursue while building an identity outside the pitch through fashion design.
Kehinde, who joined Tikitaka FC about six to seven months ago, has experienced both good and difficult moments at the club, describing football as an activity he continues to enjoy despite the demands that come with the sport.
The winger identified sponsorship as one of the challenges facing his football journey, highlighting a concern that can affect players seeking opportunities to develop their careers and compete at a higher level.
Although he is still relatively new to Tikitaka FC, Kehinde has previously featured for several teams, including Remo FC and Shiny Star, alongside other sides during his playing career. His experience across different teams reflects his continued involvement in football over the years.
Away from the pitch, Kehinde works as a fashion designer , offering him another avenue to develop his skills beyond the game. However, football remains his central sporting passion, and he says he is willing to devote time to pursuing it.
His experience at Tikitaka FC has not been without tiring moments, and his plans for the future remain open as he continues to settle into the team.
For Kehinde, the immediate task is to keep working and make the most of his football journey while navigating the challenges that come with the sport. With more time at the club, his performances and development could help shape the next stage of his career.
His story reflects the reality of a player balancing sporting ambition with life beyond football, as he continues to pursue the game that has held his interest since childhood.
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