The Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA) marked the commencement of its 2024 season with a dynamic training session on Tuesday, showcasing the commitment to empowering young girls through football and life skills education.
Thirty players participated in the resumption, engaging in intensive training and leadership development sessions.
The spirited atmosphere reflected the academy’s recent triumph in the Football4girls tournament in December 2023, setting a positive tone for the new season.
Notably, the AOA welcomed a new addition to its coaching staff, former Nigerian national female football team player, Titilayo Mekuleyi, as the assistant coach. This is in keeping with the Academy’s goal of ensuring the best personnel to mold the character and talents of the players.
Head Coach Alabi Kazeem expressed his aspirations for the upcoming season, stating, “Our primary goal is to nurture talented players who can ascend to the U-17 national team.
“Following the breakthrough of Janet Akekoromowei into the U-20 national team in 2023, we are determined to continue this trend and see more of our academy’s prodigies making their mark on the national stage.”
Janet Akekoromowei, a shining example from the academy, successfully advanced to the U-20 national team last year, highlighting the academy’s commitment to developing top-tier talent.
As the AOA gears up for an exciting 2024 season, the emphasis remains on fostering both athletic prowess and essential life skills among its participants.
The Asisat Oshoala Foundation, in collaboration with Women Win and Nike Inc. of the USA, established the AOA to provide football and life skills training for marginalized schoolgirls in Nigeria and across Africa.
The program aims to offer 90 minutes of football training three times a week, complemented by life skills education covering empowerment and rights-based topics.
