By Arinzechi Chukwunonso 

The Femi Ajilore Football Clinic (FAFC) on Saturday celebrated its fifth anniversary and end-of-year party in Abuja, marking half a decade of transforming young talents and redefining grassroots football development in the FCT.

What began “like a dream” has grown into one of Abuja’s most admired youth-football projects, said founder and former Super Eagles midfielder Femi Ajilore, who expressed deep pride and gratitude for the academy’s progress.

Ajilore revealed that the clinic has already produced six to seven youngsters currently abroad, including a standout 13-year-old playing for Vancouver Whitecaps’ MLS U-13 team, describing the achievement as “a dream come true.” He also highlighted a rising 16-year-old talent in the UK, already drawing interest from Arsenal and West Ham, and who impressed at the Rayo Cup earlier in the year with multiple Man-of-the-Match performances.

> “We started with a dream, and now the dream is becoming reality,” Ajilore said. “We are not where we want to be yet, but we are grateful for how far we’ve come. The journey continues.”

He emphasised the importance of patience, discipline and education in nurturing youngsters, adding that grassroots structures remain the missing link in Nigerian football development.

> “If we neglect the grassroots, we can’t expect ready-made stars,” he stressed. “It’s like education — without primary school you can’t get a master’s degree. We must build from the foundation.”

Partners Celebrate Progress and Purpose

Director and partner Ambassador Falusi Akeem Oladapo described the five-year journey as “rewarding and purpose-fulfilling,” noting that the greatest success is not just football excellence but character development.

> “Some of these children came from the streets. Today we see transformation — morally, socially, academically. It’s more than football; it’s family,” he said.

Another director, Ayodele Oluwafemi, hailed the clinic’s resilience through challenges, highlighting the strong bond built with parents and the positive behavioral impact on the youngsters.

> “We have boys from ages 5 to 16, and the growth we’ve witnessed is incredible. We’re raising disciplined, focused children. That’s the real victory.”

Parents See Real Impact on Their Children

For parents, the value of the FAFC project is undeniable. CEO of TBS Entertainment, Tope Brown, a major supporter and father of one of the players, praised the academy’s structure and impact.

> “My son couldn’t even control a football before. Now he plays with confidence and passion. I’ve never seen an academy like this,” he said.

Brown urged government and private stakeholders to invest more in grassroots development, noting the growing global opportunities available to young players.

> “Football today is changing lives. Academies like this deserve support. They are raising the next generation.”

A Future Built on Vision and Hard Work

As the FAFC marked its fifth year, the mood was celebratory but focused. The founders, directors, parents and children all echoed the same sentiment: the journey is only beginning.

Ajilore reaffirmed the clinic’s long-term dream — to produce players for top European clubs and the Nigerian national teams.

With talent already emerging, stronger structures in place, and an expanding community of passionate supporters, the Femi Ajilore Football Clinic stands firmly on course to become one of Nigeria’s model grassroots football institutions.