When people ask me why I still believe in sports as a pathway for youth development, stories like this are part of my answer.
Somebody sent me the Zadok Yohanna story this morning and honestly, I had to read it twice.
Born in Bauchi. Moved to Kaduna on his own as a young boy to chase a football dream. Flew to Sweden less than a year ago. And today, at just 18 years old, Brighton have reportedly signed him for £21.5 million, beating some of the biggest clubs in world football to secure his signature.
Think about that for a moment.
A teenager from northern Nigeria, armed with little more than talent, discipline and determination, has forced his way into one of the most competitive talent markets on earth.
This is why I will always believe in investing in young people. Not because every child will become a professional footballer, but because talent exists everywhere in this country. What is often missing is opportunity, structure, support and belief.
My vision in establishing the Kwara Football Academy and @ABSIlorinFC was rooted in this same belief, and it has given opportunities to players like Dennis Emmanuel Bonaventure, Olusegun Oakunle, Benjamin Frederick, Mubarak Gata, David Okoromi and a host of others now plying their trade in both local and international clubs.
Nigerians are an extraordinarily talented people. That has never been in question. What stories like Zadok’s remind us is what can happen when talent meets opportunity.
I encourage the Nigeria Football Federation @thenff, the National Sports Commission @NatSportsComm, and the National Institute for Sports, to look into creating the enabling environment for more football academies aimed at discovering more talents like Zadok Yohanna, as the global searchlight beams on Nigeria as the football destination for Africa.
To every young person chasing a dream that seems impossible today: keep going. Your current circumstances do not have to define your future.
And to Zadok: Congratulations! The whole world can now see your talent, but this is only the beginning. Keep working, stay grounded, and never forget the journey that brought you here. As you said yourself, “I know where I came from.” Hold on to that mindset.
A fleet of 476 all-electric, low-floor buses was recently delivered to southwest China’s Chongqing, supporting the city’s push for age-friendly public transit and tailored services for diverse travel needs.
My tribute to my dad, who passed away last month in the UK.
He was a proud Indian immigrant *and* a proud British citizen.
His life story is one long rebuttal to the nativists, bigots and xenophobes.
@flyairpeace please stop listing LAG to KAD on your schedules if you knw you wnt operate.
how can it be there on your schedules for 3 days making people buy tickets and you keep cancelling. this is so bad.
You guys just lost a Customer.