A two-week football development programme organised by MILO Nigeria in partnership with former Super Eagles captain and brand ambassador Ahmed Musa has provided 2,500 young footballers in Kano with professional coaching, mentorship and competitive playing opportunities, reinforcing efforts to nurture grassroots talent in Nigeria.
The inaugural MILO × Ahmed Musa Sports Clinic and Tournament brought together aspiring footballers for structured training sessions, competitive matches and mentorship aimed at improving their technical abilities while instilling values essential for personal development and success in sports.
Throughout the programme, participants underwent 10 coaching sessions and competed in matches under the supervision of Musa and experienced coaches. Beyond football techniques, the initiative emphasised teamwork, discipline, resilience and confidence, equipping the young players with lessons applicable both on and off the pitch.
The programme concluded with a tournament at the Ahmed Musa Sports Complex in Kano, where Khamis Football Academy emerged as champions of the maiden edition. Participants also received cash prizes, certificates and football equipment in recognition of their involvement and achievements.
Speaking on the initiative, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Lead, MILO, said the programme reflected the brand's commitment to using sports as a platform for youth development and character building.
“At MILO, we believe sport is a powerful platform for young people to discover their abilities, build confidence and develop values that extend beyond the field of play,” he said.
He explained that the partnership with Musa combined MILO's longstanding commitment to sports development with the experience of a footballer whose journey from grassroots football to the highest level of the game could inspire aspiring players.
“By combining his experience with structured coaching and competition, this programme has given young footballers in Kano an opportunity to develop their skills, learn from experienced professionals and better understand the commitment required to pursue their aspirations,” Tweneboah-Koduah added.
For many of the participants, the clinic provided a valuable opportunity to learn directly from a player whose football journey began in northern Nigeria before he rose to prominence on the national and international stages. Musa's involvement offered the young footballers a practical example of how dedication, discipline and consistent effort can help turn sporting ambitions into reality.
Commenting on the partnership, Musa stressed that identifying talent was only the first step towards building successful football careers, noting that young players required sustained guidance, quality coaching and regular competition to reach their full potential.
“Nigeria has incredible football talent, but talent alone is not enough. Young players need good coaching, regular competition and people who will guide them,” the former Super Eagles captain said.
“I am proud to partner with MILO and share some of what football has taught me. My message to these players is simple: keep training, listen to your coaches and work hard every day to improve,” he added.
Musa also called for increased investment in grassroots football, highlighting the need to expand access to quality coaching, structured player development and regular competitive opportunities for young people across the country.
His appeal underscores a persistent challenge facing emerging footballers in Nigeria: the need for sustained development pathways that allow promising players to progress beyond informal community games and school competitions into more organised football structures.
With 2,500 young footballers reached in its inaugural edition, the Kano initiative highlights the potential of partnerships between corporate organisations and established sports personalities to support the next generation of Nigerian football talent.
As the programme draws to a close, the emphasis remains on ensuring that opportunities for coaching, mentorship and competitive football extend beyond one-off events, giving young players the support and development pathways needed to pursue their ambitions.