WHY do many talented young players struggle to reach the highest level?
In my opinion, the biggest issue is not talent; it is the lack of structure and opportunity. Nigeria is full of naturally gifted players, but without proper coaching, discipline, guidance and exposure, that talent fades over time. Many players don’t have access to the right development environment and without a clear pathway, they often get lost along the way. The reality is that talent alone cannot sustain a football career. Without the right systems in place to guide and nurture players, even the most gifted individuals can struggle to progress. This is why many promising players disappear before reaching their full potential.
What are the major structural challenges in grassroots football in Nigeria?
The main challenges are a lack of organisation, poor development systems and limited access to quality coaching. There is also inconsistency in training standards and, in some cases, practices that do not prioritise the player’s long-term growth. In many situations, players are exposed to environments that focus more on immediate results rather than proper development. Without a standardised structure, it becomes difficult to track progress or ensure that players are improving in the right way. This lack of organisation ultimately affects the quality of players being produced.
How important is government and private sector investment?
It is extremely important. Grassroots football needs facilities, equipment and structured programmes to thrive. Government and private sector support can help through sponsorship and partnerships to build sustainable systems, create leagues and provide opportunities for young players. Without investment, development will always remain limited. Passion alone is not enough to build a strong football system. There must be financial backing to support infrastructure, coaching education and player development programmes.
Is Nigeria doing enough compared to other countries?
I believe more can be done. Other countries have clear development pathways, well-structured academies, and organised leagues that consistently develop young players. Nigeria undoubtedly has the talent, but we still need a stronger organisation, better investment and long-term planning to match global standards. Until we begin to prioritise structure and sustainability, we will continue to fall behind countries that invest heavily in grassroots development.
Can you give an example of what Nigeria can learn from other countries?
A good example is South Africa, whose qualification for the World Cup with a squad largely made up of locally developed players highlights the level of investment and confidence in their domestic system. In contrast, Nigeria often relies heavily on players developed abroad. This shows that strong foundations, proper development structures and investment in local football are key to long-term success. When a country believes in its local system and invests in it, the results become evident over time.
How can grassroots academies transform Nigerian football?
If the right systems are in place, grassroots academies can become the true foundation of football in Nigeria. They can develop players from a young age, instill discipline and prepare them properly for professional opportunities. One of the major issues we face today is the lack of proper structure and documentation from the early stages. This has contributed to problems like age discrepancies in the system. When there is no clear record of a player’s development from childhood, it becomes difficult to track progress, identity and authenticity.
Unlike players developed in structured environments or from the diaspora, many young players locally do not have documented football journeys from a young age. This creates gaps in development and accountability. With well-organised grassroots academies, every player can be properly registered, monitored and developed through a clear pathway. This will bring transparency, accountability, and credibility to the system. Strong academies will not only produce better players but will also build trust in the system and ultimately change the future of football across Africa. That is exactly why HTT Academy was created, to bring structure, proper development and transparent player pathways from a young age.
What were your early football days like?
I started playing football at a very young age and by 1998 I was already involved in organised grassroots football. Growing up in Oworonshoki, Lagos, football was driven purely by passion.
We played on the streets and open fields with few or no facilities, but it gave us hope, purpose and a sense of belonging. Football was more than just a game, it was something that kept us going despite the challenges around us. However, I had to stop playing around 1998 due to financial challenges, which forced me to start working early. I went on to build my own cleaning business and through that, I began supporting young players in my community by helping with transport, boots and basic needs.
How did those experiences influence your journey?
During that time, I realised that many talented players were not reaching the top, not because they lacked ability, but due to poor decision-making, lack of character development, inadequate coaching and limited facilities. That experience stayed with me and it became the foundation of why I later created HTT Academy to provide the structure and support that many of us never had. It opened my eyes to the reality that talent alone is not enough without the right environment.
When did you realise your passion was beyond playing?
Over time, I began to notice that many talented players around me were not progressing. That made me realise that football was not just about playing. For me, it was about creating opportunities for others. I saw a bigger purpose in helping young players succeed where many had failed and that shifted my focus from playing to development and mentorship.
How did your experiences shape your vision?
Working closely with young players exposed me to the true reality of grassroots football, the talent is there, but the system is not. That alone shaped my desire to build something more structured and impactful. Growing up in Lagos and later relocating to the United Kingdom was a turning point for me. Through football courses and exposure to a more organised system, I realised how far behind our foundation was, not just in Nigeria but across Africa as a whole. That contrast made it clear that the problem is not talent, but structure, development and proper systems. This is exactly why HTT Academy was created: to bridge that gap.
What inspired you to establish HTT Academy?
I was inspired by the number of talented players whose dreams never became reality. HTT Academy represents hope, structure and opportunity. It is about building a system that supports young players properly and gives them a real chance to succeed. The goal is to ensure that talent is not wasted due to a lack of guidance or opportunity.
What challenges have you faced building the academy?
One of the biggest challenges has been resources and funding, as well as creating awareness and trust. Building a structure in an environment that lacks it is not easy, but it is necessary. There are also challenges in changing mindsets and getting people to understand the importance of long-term development over short-term gains.
Why do you emphasise mentorship and discipline?
Football alone is not enough. Young players need discipline, character, decision-making and guidance. These values help them succeed not only in football but also in life. Without discipline, even the most talented player can struggle. Mentorship helps guide them in making the right choices both on and off the pitch.
How important is education alongside football?
Education is very important. Not every player will become a professional footballer, so they must be prepared for life beyond football. Personal development is key. Education provides players with options and ensures they have something to fall back on if football does not work out.
What separates successful players from others?
The difference is usually discipline, decision-making, consistency, mindset and environment. Talent alone is not enough. Players who succeed are those who stay focused, make the right decisions and work within the right structure. The environment a player is exposed to plays a major role in shaping their career.
What is your advice to young footballers?
Stay disciplined, stay focused and be patient. Work hard every day and take your development seriously. Talent will open doors, but discipline will keep you there. Success does not happen overnight, so consistency and patience are very important.
What is your long-term vision for HTT Academy?
My vision for HTT Academy is to build one of the best grassroots football systems in Africa, creating opportunities for young players and developing them into professionals. I also want to create a pathway that can produce world-class players, possibly the next George Weah, by providing the right structure, discipline and exposure. The long-term goal is to build a system that not only develops great players but also contributes to the overall growth and credibility of football across Africa.