When people ask me why I still believe in sports as a pathway for youth development, stories like this are part of my answer.
Somebody sent me the Zadok Yohanna story this morning and honestly, I had to read it twice.
Born in Bauchi. Moved to Kaduna on his own as a young boy to chase a football dream. Flew to Sweden less than a year ago. And today, at just 18 years old, Brighton have reportedly signed him for £21.5 million, beating some of the biggest clubs in world football to secure his signature.
Think about that for a moment.
A teenager from northern Nigeria, armed with little more than talent, discipline and determination, has forced his way into one of the most competitive talent markets on earth.
This is why I will always believe in investing in young people. Not because every child will become a professional footballer, but because talent exists everywhere in this country. What is often missing is opportunity, structure, support and belief.
My vision in establishing the Kwara Football Academy and ABS FC was rooted in this same belief, and it has given opportunities to players like Dennis Emmanuel Bonaventure, Olusegun Oakunle, Benjamin Frederick, Mubarak Gata, David Okoromi and a host of others now plying their trade in both local and international clubs.
Nigerians are an extraordinarily talented people. That has never been in question. What stories like Zadok’s remind us is what can happen when talent meets opportunity.
I encourage the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, and the National Institute for Sports, to look into creating the enabling environment for more football academies aimed at discovering more talents like Zadok Yohanna, as the global searchlight beams on Nigeria as the football destination for Africa.
To every young person chasing a dream that seems impossible today: keep going. Your current circumstances do not have to define your future.
And to Zadok: Congratulations! The whole world can now see your talent, but this is only the beginning. Keep working, stay grounded, and never forget the journey that brought you here. As you said yourself, “I know where I came from.” Hold on to that mindset.