Buruj Football Academy in Nigeria has announced an exciting new partnership with Manchester City to introduce a Young Player Development Program, slated to begin in January 2025. This collaboration opens doors for young Nigerian footballers to access world class training under the guidance of Manchester City's esteemed youth coaching team. Buruj Football Academy’s CEO, Waheed Salaudeen, highlighted that this partnership aligns perfectly with their commitment to developing grassroots talent and bringing their skills to the international level.
The program aims to provide Nigerian players with comprehensive training in technical, tactical, and teamwork skills, mirroring Manchester City's acclaimed youth development approach. As a milestone for Buruj, academy star Raheem Salaudeen has already been registered for the program. Salaudeen, a promising defensive midfielder, was recently named in the final 40 of the NFF/FIFA Talent Development Scheme, further affirming Buruj’s role in nurturing top-level talent.
With spots filling quickly, Waheed Salaudeen encourages parents and guardians to act promptly to secure a place for their young players. This initiative is seen as a significant boost for Nigeria's football talent, providing structured development and exposure to international coaching standards, potentially opening doors to elite clubs worldwide.
Editorial
The Buruj Manchester City partnership marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s youth football. At a time when international football academies increasingly look to Africa for raw talent, this partnership goes beyond just skills training it represents a transformative opportunity for young Nigerian players to cultivate their abilities under one of Europe’s most prestigious football clubs. For many, such programs serve as the foundation of a career that can reach professional leagues, creating a lasting impact on players and families alike.
For grassroots academies like Buruj, partnerships with clubs such as Manchester City validate their role in bridging the gap between local talent and global opportunities. The academy’s dedication to nurturing future stars is evident in Raheem Salaudeen’s journey, where consistent support has enabled him to compete at national levels. This collaboration sets a high standard and raises expectations for the future of youth football in Nigeria.
As we witness this collaboration unfold, we look forward to more young players gaining the exposure and structure needed to compete internationally. These partnerships, born out of a shared vision for youth development, promise a brighter future for Nigerian football, and perhaps the next global star will emerge from this very program.
Did You Know?
Buruj Football Academy was founded in 2008 and has a history of fostering young talent in Nigerian football.
Manchester City’s youth academy, the City Football Academy, is renowned for producing elite players, including current stars Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho.
Raheem Salaudeen was recently included in the NFF/FIFA Talent Development Final 40, recognizing him as one of Nigeria’s top young football prospects.
The City Football Academy facilities in Manchester span 80 acres, housing training grounds for Manchester City’s first team, youth, and women’s teams.
Nigeria has one of the of young football talent in Africa, and local academies play a crucial role in helping players gain exposure to international clubs.
