Lagos: The Nathaniel Idowu Summer Camp has successfully trained 420 young footballers in Lagos, with organizers expressing optimism that the initiative will help discover and develop future national team players.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the month-long programme, organized by the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, concluded on Friday with a closing ceremony at the Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle. The camp brought together children aged eight to 16, who received training in football and were exposed to lessons on teamwork, discipline, and other values through sports.
McAnthony Anaelechukwu, Director-General of Peakline Sports World and Coordinator of the camp, described the maiden edition as a significant achievement. Participants were drawn from various parts of Lagos and neighboring states, including Badagry, Ikorodu, and Ijebu-Ode, with some accommodated at the camp.
Ajegunle was selected as the venue due to the availability of sporting facilities and the support provided by the foundation. Anaelechukwu noted significant improvements among participants, particularly the girls, who had been part of the foundation’s ‘Let’s Her Play’ initiative since February.
Mr. Dotun Coker, a member of the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation and Vice Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, highlighted the identification of promising talents during the camp. The participants were exposed to multiple sports, and a database was created to monitor their progress and support their development during subsequent holidays.
Peter Okereke, CEO of Paddysco Sports Academy, emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaboration in sports development. The programme allowed young players to learn from each other and improve their skills.
A parent, Mrs. Catherine Nwokwu, praised the programme for enhancing her 11-year-old daughter’s football skills, while 14-year-old Fatima Abdurahman shared how the camp boosted her confidence and skills, changing her father’s perception of her football abilities.
The founder of the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, Mr. Yemi Idowu, stated that the summer camp was established to keep children active, engaged, and happy during the holiday. The free programme offered various sporting activities and meals for participants, with parents only responsible for transportation.
Idowu emphasized the foundation’s focus on education and health for children and youths in Ajegunle and neighboring communities, and the goal to establish a pathway for young players to progress to higher age grades, with particular attention to girls’ football.
The closing ceremony featured football matches, presentation of awards, and recognition of outstanding participants, marking the foundation’s commitment to youth development and talent discovery through sports.