The camp featured high-quality coaching delivered by international professionals from esteemed organizations such as West Bromwich Albion Football Club, the Dutch Football Association, and the English Football League (EFL). These experts were joined by seasoned local coaches from the Lagos State Football Association and Nigerian football legend Victor Ikpeba, fondly known as “The Prince of Monaco.”
The event culminated in a spirited closing ceremony on April 17, attended by prominent figures in Nigeria’s football community, including Lagos State FA Chairman Laimeed Gafar, alongside West Bromwich Albion coaches Samuel Jake Whitmore, Jordan Hall, and Owen Jones.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bukola Ayeni, Lead of External Communications at Union Bank, emphasized the bank’s unwavering support for initiatives that blend education with real-world skills. “Union Bank’s sponsorship of the Greensprings Football Academy is part of our broader Edu360 initiative, which underscores our core value of being Community Focused. Edu360 is designed to promote holistic education—including sports—and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education. As a 108-year-old institution, we remain committed to shaping the leaders of today and tomorrow.”
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| L-R: Bukola Ayeni, Lead External Communications, Union Bank of Nigeria; West Bromwich Albion Football Club coaches; Mrs Lai Koiki, Founder and CEO, Greensprings School and participants of the 11th Greensprings Football Camp sponsored by Union Bank of Nigeria under its Edu360 initiative at the school’s Awoyaya campus in Lekki, Lagos recently. |
Mrs. Lai Koiki, Founder and CEO of Greensprings School, highlighted the academy’s forward-thinking mission: “We are preparing our youth not just for football, but for leadership. This is about building character and readiness for the future.”
Victor Ikpeba also praised the school and its partners for their dedication to inclusive sports education. “This is a school that empowers both boys and girls, not just in academics but especially in football,” he remarked.
The impact of the Greensprings Football Academy is evident in its track record. Over the years, it has produced several professional players, some of whom have gone on to represent Nigeria at the Under-17 level. This year’s standout talents, Alabi Aliami and Ayodeji Boluwatife, were awarded exclusive virtual training sessions with international coaches and other benefits that will further their football journeys.
More than just a sports camp, the Greensprings Football Academy continues to be a beacon of cross-cultural unity and youth empowerment. Through initiatives like this, Union Bank reinforces its long-standing commitment to community development and the transformative power of quality education.