Abuja: Justin Ezeude, Head Coach of Jay One Football Academy, has urged football academies and clubs to prioritize continuous camping, discipline, and close monitoring in the development of young players nationwide. Ezeude made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ezeude highlighted that this approach has contributed significantly to the academy’s impressive performance in the 2026 FCT Football Association (FCTFA) Division One League. He emphasized that keeping players together in camp has helped the coaching staff improve players’ understanding, teamwork, and discipline while closely monitoring their character.
“The boys are doing well because most of them are in camp. They are together, we train them together, and they are dedicated to the team. We train in the morning and sometimes in the evening. It has really helped to bring the boys together,” he said.
Ezeude noted that the current Jay One squad was assembled in February 2026 and has remained in camp preparing for the league and other competitions. He mentioned that the players would stay in camp until November before taking their annual break and returning in January 2027. The coach explained that Jay One has operated an annual camping program since 2014, describing it as a crucial part of the academy’s player-development system.
“When you keep them in camp, you are able to monitor their character and understand the kind of players they are. Talent is important, but discipline, punctuality, and good character are also very important,” he said.
He urged other football academies and clubs to adopt similar structures where possible, emphasizing that proper player development requires more than just football training. Ezeude stressed the importance of teaching young players punctuality, discipline, responsibility, and respect for instructions to succeed in their careers.
“If you tell a player to report by 7 am, he should be on the field before that 7 am, he should not come late. These are some of the things we need to work on with young African players. Discipline is very important,” he said.
The coach’s remarks come against the backdrop of Jay One Football Academy’s qualification for the final of the 2026 FCTFA Division One League. Jay One was drawn alongside Casmat FC, FHA FC, and Pride FC in the Super 8 of the 2026 FCT Football Association (FCTFA) Division One League in Abuja. The academy defeated Casmat FC 2-1 in its opening match, followed by a 3-1 victory over FHA FC, before playing a 1-1 draw against Pride FC to finish top of the group.
Ezeude, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Jay One Football Academy, described the achievement as a significant milestone for the academy. He stated that the team would remain focused on winning the league.
“Definitely, we are going for the NLO playoffs in September, and we believe we will get the ticket. We know it will not be easy, but we will go there and do our best,” he said.
He added that the team’s qualification has also secured its participation in the Nationwide League One (NLO) next season. Ezeude expressed confidence that Jay One would represent the FCT at the NLO playoffs in September and secure the ticket.
Ezeude commended the Chairman of the FCT Football Association, Adamu Mouhktar, and its Secretary, Haruna Ilerika, for their encouragement and support for youth in football development. He also applauded the academy’s supporters for their backing throughout the campaign and gave glory to God for the team’s progress.
NAN reports that the 2026 FCT Football Association (FCTFA) Division One League commenced on July 13 at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja. The FCT Division One League serves as the primary local pathway for clubs in Abuja to qualify into the Nationwide League One (NLO), the third tier of Nigerian club football.