Barcelona To Set-Up First African Football Academy In Lagos

Barcelona Set-up First African Academy

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday welcomed the decision of Barcelona FC of Spain to establish its first football academy in Africa in the state.

 

Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Alausa while receiving the senior management staff of the football club, said he was delighted with the development. He said it was in line with his administration’s philosophy for sports development.

FC Barcelona President, Josep Bartomeu hakes hands with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

Ambode also pledged maximum support of the government in ensuring the successful take off of the project.

He described the development as a historic moment for the state, saying it was indeed a thing of joy coming at a time when the government was still basking in the euphoria of the successful hosting of an international marathon.

 

Ambode said the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon was a major pointer to how Lagos could actualise its dream of improving the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state using sports as a major instrument.

“This visit by FC Barcelona is coming at a point where I believe strongly that we have nothing else to say than to say we are committed to this partnership because we know it will give us the first FCBEscola in Africa.

“I was made to understand that this is the first of its kind in Africa and so, Lagos is priding itself as a major receptor of the next academy to be established in Africa,’’ he said.

Earlier, Pau Vilanovai Vila-Abadal, Director of Business and Member of FC Barcelona Management Board, who led the team, thanked Ambode for the support given to them so far in actualizing the project.

Barcelona To Set-Up First African Football Academy In Lagos