The Director of Aeidu Football Academy (AFA), Lafiagi, Mazuma Muhammad Ndanusa has appealed to the Kwara State government to prioritize the upgrade of sports facilities across other state’s senatorial districts in order to accelerate grassroots sports development.

Mazuma made the call while speaking with sportswriters after a friendly match between the Academy and Kwara United in Ilorin.

According to him, aside from the Ilorin Township Stadium, only Offa and Lafiagi stadiums can be considered as having relatively standard pitches, but even those lack adequate facilities.

“Outside Ilorin Stadium, the next is Offa Stadium, followed by Lafiagi Stadium. But apart from the pitch and a canopy, there is nothing in the stadium. Government promised renovation in the 2023 and 2024 budgets, but it did not happen. We are told it is now captured in the 2025 budget, so we are waiting,” he said.

Mallam Manzuma stressed that infrastructure is crucial to harnessing young talents, adding that the Academy had, in February, officially unveiled its project with the vision of grooming players to global standards.

He noted that AFA had since set up boot camps to refine the skills of its players and expose them to international opportunities.

“Football is capital-intensive and cannot be a one-man show. It requires partnerships and investment, but unfortunately, many of our people have not yet benefited from the value. In the past six months, our boys have been exposed to different encounters both home and abroad. Some of our players are already in Ethiopia, and another batch will soon be heading to Doha, Qatar, he added.

Mallam Mauzuma further commended the friendly with Kwara United, saying it was not about winning or losing but showcasing the talents and the potential of the Academy’s players.

He however, raised concerns over security challenges in Lafiagi and its environs, stressing that safety must be guaranteed to sustain football business in the area.