..set to change the narratives of grassroots football
By Akeem Busari
It is exciting moments for football fans in Lagos, as another football academy joins the ever-growing football community. 
And Real Diamonds Academy, is not one of the runs off the mills, this newly established football academy comes with all the trappings of a professional managed and properly structured organization.
Based in Ikorodu area of Lagos state, was birthed and served as the feeders team of Tonic FC in October 2025, before it transited into Real Diamonds in January, 2026.
In a chat with journalists, the General Manager, Sanusi Abiola, disclosed that the academy which is professionally managed by ABAJ Multilinks Limited, is a strategic initiative aimed at identifying and developing young football talents within a structured and professional environment.
The youthful and enterprising Sanusi, while acknowledging the several challenges bedeviling youth football development, was equally quick to confidently state that Real Diamonds Academy, is not out to make up the numbers, but to positively change the narratives of grassroots football development and particularly, youth football education.
“Real Diamonds Academy was established to discover, nurture and develop young football talents into disciplined, skilled, and professional athletes through structured training, mentorship and exposure.
“The academy is equally committed and of course, very intentional about creating a clear pathway for players transition from grassroots football into professional careers, both locally and internationally,” he remarked confidently.
He went ahead to reveal that the young talents in the academy, are in the hands capable football technicians led by Innocent Mark, as the head coach and Emmanuel Anibaba, who is the team manager.
Speaking further, he stated that through a combination of modern coaching methods, strong management and strategic partnerships, Real Diamonds Academy aims to build not just footballers, but individuals with character, discipline, and a winning mindset capable of excelling on and off the pitch.
