Pascal Atuma partners Katsina to develop football academy

Pascal Atuma, the Canadian-based Nigerian filmmaker, has partnered with the Katsina government to develop the state’s football academy. 

In a statement on Friday, Atuma announced that the partnership involves Tabic Sporting Outfit, Katsina state ministry of youths & sports development/Katsina Football Academy, and Bondy Football Academy in Paris, France.

He said the tripartite partnership aims to discover and cultivate Nigeria’s hidden football gems in Katsina state.

“I made sure to thank the state delegation and the Bondy Academy group for committing to the partnership. By empowering Nigeria’s youth, this partnership seeks to shape the future of football excellence, producing the next generation of African global stars like Victor Osihmen, Ademola Lookman, Frank Onyeka and Moses Simon,” he wrote.

“This collaborative effort aims to discover and cultivate Nigeria’s hidden football gems in Katsina State, providing them with the resources and expertise to reach their full potential and become world-class athletes.

“Together, we will identify and develop raw talent, provide top-tier training and mentorship, and foster international exposure and opportunities. This partnership embodies our commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth and shaping the future of football excellence.”

During the partnership agreement meeting at Bondy Academy’s Paris headquarters, Katsina was represented by Lawal Aliyu Zakari, the Katsina state commissioner for youths and sports development; Sani Mustapha Bello, chairman of sports committee, Katsina house of assembly; and Ahmed Mohammed, chairman, Katsina Football Academy.

Bondy Academy was represented by its CEO Aacim Zahiri, and Jamel Zahiri, the sports director; while Atuma represented Tabic Football Club as co-chairman and co-founder.

Speaking on the partnership, Zakari said the Katsina government is committed to improving the state’s sports projects.

“This partnership represents a new dawn for youth and sports development in Katsina State, Nigeria, and Africa, and its potential impact is substantial. With the right support and resources, Nigeria’s young talents can shine on the global stage,” Zakari said.