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| New football academy joins Nigerian third-tier league. |
Greenlock Academy has officially launched and will compete in the 2025/26 National League One (NLO) season. This marks its first entry into the Nigerian football pyramid. The inauguration ceremony took place on September 6, 2025, at the Navy Sports Complex in Satellite Town, Lagos. The academy was founded in 2023 and aims to develop young talents through a structured program .
Executive Vice President Funsho Peters shared the academy’s goals. He emphasized focusing on player readiness for higher levels rather than just winning games. Peters said the academy is selective in recruitment. It uses scouts across Nigeria and accepts registrations from interested individuals. He also mentioned that promotion to the Nigerian National League (NNL) will be decided later .
The academy will play home matches at two venues. These are the Navy Sports Centre in Satellite Town and the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne. This arrangement ensures access to quality facilities for players and spectators .
Omowunmi Blessing Awe, Head of Operations, explained the academy’s approach. She said Greenlock focuses on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, mental preparation, and educational support. The program includes personalized coaching, fitness training, mental toughness exercises, and academic support. Students also learn French to help with potential moves abroad .
Greenlock Academy has built partnerships with international clubs. These include Antalyaspor in Turkey, FC Liria in Kosovo, and Gulf United FC in the UAE. Currently, nine players are gaining experience with these clubs. These partnerships provide exposure to different playing styles and coaching methods .
The academy’s scouting network covers urban and rural areas across Nigeria. This helps find talents who might otherwise be overlooked. Community engagement is also a priority. The academy works with local communities to promote grassroots football and build a sustainable talent pipeline .
Dotun Coker, Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, praised Greenlock’s model. He highlighted its focus on combining education and football. He said the academy encourages students to take education seriously while developing football skills. This holistic approach sets a standard for other academies in Nigeria .
Player Alonge Daniel shared his experience. He joined the academy over a year ago through an open screening process. He competed with over 700 players to earn a spot. Daniel aims to reach the highest levels of football, like Victor Osimhen and Mikel Obi. He believes Greenlock provides the necessary facilities and coaching to help him succeed .
The NLO Division One League typically runs from April to July each year. It is a professional league in Nigeria that feeds into higher tiers of the football pyramid. Greenlock Academy’s entry adds a new competitor focused on youth development and long-term career growth for players .
Greenlock Academy’s launch represents a significant step in Nigerian football. It combines sports and education to create well-rounded athletes. With its structured programs and international partnerships, the academy aims to produce players ready for local and international careers. This approach could influence how football academies operate in Nigeria and beyond .