…Khamis Football Academy emerges champion as participants receive cash prizes, equipment
Former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has partnered with MILO Nigeria to provide professional football training, mentorship and competitive opportunities for more than 2,500 young footballers in Kano State, as part of efforts to nurture emerging talents and strengthen grassroots sports development.
The initiative, tagged the MILO × Ahmed Musa Sports Clinic and Tournament, brought together aspiring footballers for two weeks of intensive coaching, practical training and competitive matches under the guidance of Musa and experienced football coaches.
The programme featured 10 coaching sessions designed to improve participants’ technical abilities while instilling values such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, confidence and perseverance.
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The inaugural edition culminated in a football tournament at the Ahmed Musa Sports Complex in Kano, where Khamis Football Academy emerged as champions after competing against other participating teams.
Outstanding participants received cash prizes, certificates and football equipment in recognition of their performances and participation.
Speaking on the initiative, Category Lead, MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, said the partnership reflected the brand’s commitment to using sports as a platform for developing young people and equipping them with skills that extend beyond football.
“At MILO, we believe sport is a powerful platform for young people to discover their abilities, build confidence and develop values that extend beyond the field of play,” he said.
Tweneboah-Koduah explained that the collaboration with Musa combined MILO’s longstanding investment in sports development with the experience of a footballer whose journey from grassroots football to international prominence could inspire aspiring athletes.
“Our partnership with Ahmed Musa brings together MILO’s longstanding commitment to sports development and the experience of an athlete whose journey from grassroots football to the highest level of the game can inspire the next generation,” he stated.
According to him, the combination of structured coaching, practical training and competitive football provided participants with an opportunity to develop their abilities while gaining a better understanding of the commitment required to succeed in professional sports.
“By combining his experience with structured coaching and competition, this programme has given young footballers in Kano an opportunity to develop their skills, learn from experienced professionals and better understand the commitment required to pursue their aspirations,” he added.
Musa, who served as a mentor throughout the programme, emphasised that Nigeria possessed abundant football talent but needed stronger grassroots structures to identify, nurture and develop young players.
The former national team captain maintained that natural ability alone was insufficient to guarantee success without proper coaching, discipline, mentorship and regular exposure to competitive football.
“Nigeria has incredible football talent, but talent alone is not enough. Young players need good coaching, regular competition and people who will guide them,” Musa said.
“I am proud to partner with MILO and share some of what football has taught me. My message to these players is simple: keep training, listen to your coaches and work hard every day to improve.”
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He called for increased investment in grassroots football development, particularly in structured training programmes, access to quality coaching and opportunities for young footballers to compete regularly.
Musa noted that creating pathways for talented youngsters to develop their skills was essential to strengthening the future of Nigerian football.
For many participants, the clinic provided an opportunity to interact directly with a footballer whose career began in northern Nigeria before progressing to the international stage.
Beyond improving their football techniques, the young players were exposed to lessons in leadership, discipline and personal development intended to support their growth both on and off the pitch.
The organisers said the initiative formed part of MILO’s broader commitment to youth development through school-based and grassroots sporting programmes across Nigeria.
Through such interventions, the brand said it would continue to promote sports participation among young Nigerians while encouraging the development of skills and values necessary for success in education, sports and everyday life.
