Could the Next Messi Come from Nigeria as Barcelona Launches Lagos Academy?

One of the world’s biggest and most successful clubs, Barcelona, is launching a football academy in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.

The BBC says in a special report that the academy, in Africa’s biggest city, is the first of its kind on the continent. It is modeled on Barcelona’s flagship La Masia Academy in Spain which has produced stars such as Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Xavi.

Officially known as FCBEscola Lagos, the school is temporarily located at the multi-sports Teslim Balogun Stadium Complex in the sprawling Surulere suburb.

A bright banner of the Spanish midfielder Iniesta greets you as you enter the main gate.

Inside an assortment of big pictures of Barcelona star players Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar can be seen amongst commercial advertising boards.

Children aged between five and 18 years old file into the stadium to get a football education the Barcelona way.

About 400 fee-paying children are currently enrolled at the school, which costs $600 (£478) a year.

They attend training sessions at the academy about once a week and all of them harbour hopes of making it to the big time at Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia Academy in Spain.

Teamwork over individualism

Among them is Imalashe Sulyman from Yaba in Lagos.

She is one of just three girls at the academy.

“I like being here because it is very friendly and fun to play,” she says.

“It doesn’t bother me because football is not only for boys, it’s for everyone to play. You shouldn’t be treated differently anyhow because you are a girl.

“I want to become one of the famous football players and be as good as Messi.”

The Lagos academy joins a growing list of other similar Barcelona football schools across Asia, the Americas and Europe.

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39077071

 

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