The Founder/President of Stella Stars Sports Academy, Engr. Darlington Nosa Obakpolor has reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to empowering young people through football.
Obakpolor made the disclosure in his welcome address during the official unveiling of the Stella Stars Sports Academy on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium’s Media Centre in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.
“By engaging young people in football, a sport that demands focus, discipline and teamwork, we can steer them away from harmful influences and guide them toward success.
“We believe that sport has the power to inspire, to educate and to transform lives,” Obakpolor said.
“The Academy began as an online discussion among like-minded individuals about the transformative power of football and other games soon evolved into something much greater.
“From a humble beginning with just two dedicated staff members, the academy has grown to include over ten staff and more than thirty active players committed to improving their game,” he added.
While praising the good developmental strides of Hon. Desmond Enabulele, Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, Chairman, Edo State Football Association and football academies’ proprietors for their commitment to realizing their visions which have produced great results for Nigeria, Obakpolor maintained that it is on record that some current Nigerian football stars are products of football academies.
Additionally, Obakpolor further paid glowing tribute to numerous sports men & women of Nigeria particularly of Edo State origin for their selfless sacrifices to sustain the sporting position of Nigeria especially in football.
The Stella Stars Sports Academy, an academy named after the beloved mother of the Founder/President, Mrs. Stella Ewemade Ayebor for her resilient spirit, was formally established on June 1, 2024, with a clear mission to develop future champions, both on and off the field.
The Academy is FIFA-registered, with state-of-the-art facilities matched by a competent and dedicated coaching crew which includes certified coaches registered with FIFA, CAF, and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
The high point of the event was the investiture of Mr. Denis Goavec, former National Head Coach of Benin Republic National Team, Cheetahs and UEFA Professional Licensed Coach, as Chancellor of the Academy, the unveiling of the Stella Stars Sports Academy by the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Denis Goavec, and the unveiling of Ndubuisi Okosieme as Technical Adviser and Matthew Quesso as Chief Coach/Head of Scouting Team.
Other Management Team of the Academy that were recognized at the occasion include
Mrs. Augusta Osarhunmwense O., Vice President/Chief Accountant, Isa Gimba, Academy Coordinator, Samosie Nelson Iyoriobhe, Coach; Zongo Mete Pascal, Coach; Andrew Ezeh Nnadozie, Administrative Officer; Osaruyi Asemota, Head of Media Affairs and Grace Oghosa Ugbo, Medic.
The Academy currently offers programs for Under-12, Under-15, and Under-17 age groups.
Some Notable dignitaries at the ceremony, were Mr Kennedy ugbodaga Executive Board member of the Edo state Football Association, Felix Evbodi the chairman of the Nigeria Football coaches Association, Edo state chapter, Mr Eddy Osakwe president Edo All stars international and the vice chairman Edo state Football Referees council Prince Daniel iruero.
