John Utaka Football Academy Ltd, incorporated on October 20, 2015 (RC 1294103), operates from its registered office in Abuja at Suite SFA 2, Willands Plaza, Plot 511 Herbert Macaulay Way, Wuse Zone 4. Founded by former Super Eagles forward John Chukwudi Utaka, with co-director and shareholder Usman Abubakar Chata, the academy has become a recognised hub for developing football talent in Nigeria.
More than just a training ground, the academy blends sports education with academic advancement, ensuring its players grow into well-rounded individuals ready for both the pitch and life beyond football.
Football and Education
Understanding that football careers must be balanced with academics, the John Utaka football academy signed an agreement with Brighter School in Minna. This arrangement allows players to continue their formal education alongside rigorous football training.
According to Vice President Usman Abubakar Chata, after reaching out to several schools in Niger State, Brighter School was the only one to respond. This partnership addresses parental concerns about education by allowing academy players to remain enrolled in school without compromising their training schedules.
School director Joshua Omeiza described the collaboration as an opportunity to shape the futures of students who are equally passionate about academics and sports, giving them the discipline and opportunities needed to excel.
Higher Learning Opportunities with New Gate University
The academy’s educational commitment extends beyond secondary schooling. A recent partnership with New Gate University, Minna, opens the door for players—especially those from underprivileged backgrounds—to pursue higher education while advancing their football careers.
During the signing ceremony, Chata emphasised that this agreement reassures parents their children can succeed in academics while chasing professional football ambitions. The university’s registrar, Mohammed Abdullahi, highlighted the academy’s credibility, discipline, and strong European football links as major reasons for partnering.
This initiative ensures that promising athletes are equipped with qualifications and skills that serve them on and off the pitch.
From Training Ground to Nigerian League
To give its players real match experience, John Utaka Football Academy created the John Utaka Football Club (JUFC). The club is preparing to join Nigeria’s amateur league division and aims to compete in major tournaments such as the AITEO Cup.
Chata explained that JUFC’s focus is not just participation but credible performance. The team has played friendlies against top Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) sides, including Wikki Tourist FC and Yarmalight FC, and is in talks to face Plateau United and Mighty Jets.
This competitive exposure helps bridge the gap between youth football and the professional stage, giving players a taste of high-level competition early in their careers.
International Exposure
One of the most ambitious projects for the academy is its upcoming tour of France, where it will face youth teams from Lyon, Nice, Monaco, Strasbourg, and Montpellier—the latter being the club where John Utaka currently serves as assistant coach.
This European experience is made possible in part through the support of US-based philanthropist Dr. Napoleon Onyechi, the academy’s grand patron. During a friendly match in Abuja against FC International, Onyechi pledged full support, urging players to stay focused on productive goals and avoid distractions.
Chata praised Onyechi’s involvement, saying his backing has motivated the team. The tour squad includes former national U-17 player Yusuf Bolarinwa, U-20 WAFU Cup participant Jimmy Abdul, and talented players from Ghana.
While the trip was slightly delayed due to flight booking issues, the matches—particularly against Strasbourg, currently fifth in Ligue 1—are expected to provide invaluable international exposure for the academy’s players.
Building a Reputation in Nigerian Football
Since its inception, the John Utaka football academy has steadily built a reputation for combining academic excellence, structured football training, and opportunities for global exposure. Through strategic partnerships with schools and universities, competitive league participation, and international tours, the academy continues to provide a pathway for young Nigerian players to succeed both on and off the field.
With strong leadership, community support, and a growing network in the global football scene, John Utaka’s vision is building a new generation of disciplined, skilled, and educated athletes—ready to compete anywhere in the world.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
