The Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA) is set to kick off its highly anticipated Season 2 this September. With a clear focus on empowering young girls in sports and education, the academy is gearing up for a scouting program and mentorship session at the Abati Barracks football pitch in the vibrant heart of Lagos state.
Over 3000 young girls are expected to participate in this ambitious scouting program, a testament to the growing influence and reach of the AOA.
Established by the Asisat Oshoala Foundation in collaboration with two distinguished international organizations, Women Win and Nike Inc. of the USA, the Asisat Oshoala Academy has emerged as a powerful force for positive change in Nigeria’s sports landscape.
Designed to provide access to football and life skills for marginalized schoolgirls in Nigeria and across the African continent, AOA is the brainchild of the renowned Nigerian women’s footballer, Asisat Oshoala, affectionately known as Agba Baller. Her vision is to create opportunities for young girls in her community, echoing her mission of fostering sports and education.
The academy’s core program will offer girls aged 12 to 18 an invaluable 90 minutes of football training three times a week. But it doesn’t stop there. In a holistic approach, the curriculum will encompass life skills education, covering a diverse range of empowerment and rights-based topics. This dual-pronged approach aims to empower not only athletes but also well-rounded, informed individuals who can make a difference in their communities.
One of the standout features of AOA is its emphasis on leadership development. Graduates from the academy will be encouraged and equipped to channel their newfound leadership skills into making a positive impact within their respective communities. This aspect reflects the academy’s commitment to nurturing not just football talent but also young leaders of tomorrow.
Beyond the weekly training and education, the Asisat Oshoala Academy plans to host four ‘She Plays’ events each year. These events, open to schoolgirls aged 12 to 18, will further expand the academy’s outreach, offering additional opportunities for development and mentorship.
