French Embassy Collaborates with Simoiben Football Academy to Support Grassroots Football Development in Nigeria

The French Embassy in Nigeria has teamed up with Simoiben Football Academy to boost grassroots football development in Nigeria. Simoiben Football Academy is owned by Ibukun, the wife of Nigerian football star Moses Simon.

The French Embassy made a significant donation to the scouting tournament in Kaduna, providing 10 balls each to participating teams, a set of jerseys, and 30 pairs of boots for the seven teams involved.

Notable teams in the tournament included Taiwo Awoniyi’s academy team from Ilorin. The event attracted scouts from Ligue 1 clubs Nantes and Nimes, as well as a renowned agent named Willy, who represents three teams in the French top flight.

Speaking at the event, the cooperation attachee of the French Embassy, Ketty Regis, emphasized the importance of using sports for nation-building, especially as France prepares to host the Olympic Games.

Moses Simon expressed his gratitude to the French embassy for their support, highlighting the academy’s objective of helping young African footballers achieve their dreams of playing professionally.

The Nantes star is currently recovering from an injury that sidelined him from Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against [opponent names].