By Aderonke Ojo
MOP Stars FC Academy has acquired a permanent training pitch within the main stadium of Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in its youth development program.
The new facility, currently under construction, is expected to be officially unveiled in the first quarter of the year(2026) and will serve as the academy’s home ground.
With the new pitch, the academy has expanded its developmental structure to include Under-4 to Under-14 categories, aiming to groom young players from an early age and prepare them for higher levels of football.
Academy President Dr. Sulaiman Adejoh hailed the development as “a major breakthrough,” enabling the academy to groom young talents and prepare them for higher-level football.
“Having our own permanent pitch is a major breakthrough,” said Academy President, Dr. Sulaiman Adejoh. “It allows us to systematically develop our players and provide them with the best possible training environment.”
The academy has already resumed activities for the 2026 football season, with players arriving from across the country.
About 30 players have arrived, and full camping is expected to be completed by Tuesday.
Dr. Adejoh said the academy expects to register not fewer than 68 players for the 2026 season, with the goal of developing world-class players who will represent Nigeria on the international stage.
MOP Stars FC Academy, which stands for “Messengers of Peace,” operates under the slogan “Soccer for Peace.”
According to him , the academy has recorded tremendous success within a short period, empowering some of Nigeria’s most promising young football talents through structured training, exposure, and character development.
“Transforming these young lads into world-class professionals in the football business is not child’s play. It requires vision, patience, discipline, and strong partnerships,” he said.
Adejoh acknowledged the critical role played by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in the academy’s growth, particularly in networking, mentorship, and international exposure.
“The encouragement and support we received from the NFF, especially in linking us with organizations and clubs outside the country.
“ This has greatly boosted the morale of our players and strengthened our credibility,” he said.
A major milestone for the academy in 2025 was the signing of Coach Toyin Lawal, a former Super Eagles player, on a two-year contract.
The academy’s rounded off the 2025 season with impressive performances, including a series of high-profile matches against Nigeria’s national youth teams.
The academy faced the Nigeria U-20 team and played the Golden Eaglets (U-17) twice—first at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja .
Later at the Main Bowl of the same stadium. Notably, one of the encounters against the U-17 team ended in a goalless draw.
“Any team that can withstand three matches against national teams understands what that means in terms of quality and potential.
“ Those games tested our players abilities and showed they are ready for any international challenges,” he said.
He said that the club has secured invitations for international engagements in 2026. While the club was unable to attend the Dana Cup in Denmark last year, plans are now firmly in place for an overseas tour in April.
The academy is scheduled to play international friendly matches against Brentford FC, Charlton Athletic, both in London, and Western United.
“ This is based on merit generated from their performances against Nigeria’s U-17 team.
“We sent match footage to our international contacts and facilitators, and the response was encouraging.
“ These opportunities are purely merit-based and aimed at exposing our boys to global football markets,” he explained.
He added that an official press conference will be held ahead of the April tour to formally unveil the program.