Nigerian singer and Grammy Award winner Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has officially launched a football academy aimed at nurturing young talent in Nigeria.
The academy, which has training centres in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, offers a structured environment where children and young adults can develop their football skills alongside their education.
The news of Burna Boy’s new venture broke on Monday when infographics about the academy began circulating online. A closer look at the academy’s offerings reveals that it caters to players aged 4 to 15, as well as those between 16 and 21 years old.
Burna Boy’s academy is designed not only to produce skilled footballers but also to build well-rounded individuals. “We aim to create an environment where kids can learn the fundamentals of football, combined with education, discipline, and technique, to excel in life beyond the sport,” reads the vision statement on the academy’s website. The academy also emphasizes the importance of parental involvement, highlighting the role of sports education in tandem with academic pursuits.
The academy has already garnered significant support from prominent English football clubs. Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, Brighton, and Championship side Watford are listed as partners, indicating the academy’s serious commitment to developing young talent to international standards.
The academy’s junior teams currently operate out of two locations in Lagos—Lekki and Surulere—as well as in Abuja and Port Harcourt. The structured programs run three days a week, with each session requiring two hours of mandatory training.
Interestingly, it appears the academy has been operating under the radar for some time, as the website lists results from seven friendly matches, boasting four wins, two defeats, and one draw.
With the launch of this football academy, Burna Boy is extending his influence beyond the music industry and into the world of sports, creating opportunities for young Nigerians to excel both on and off the pitch.