President of SGFC Athletics Football Club, Richard Opanuga has said they are not just an academy but a befitting place where footballers are molded and shaped into leaders.
He made this disclosure during the SPOCS U19 Scouting Tournament at Ikenne, Remo, in Ogun State which his team participated.
According to the renowned Chartered Accountant, they are trying to create leaders since they know that not everyone will end up as footballers.
“Apart from training these youngsters to become professional footballers, we equally ensure that we teach them one or to two other professions. We instill the craft or trade in them which they engage in during the off season.
“Our goal is to ensure these youth reach the level or height in their chosen career. Our technocrats, that is the technical crew are well qualified and they have been doing a great job.
“The oversee standard which everyone is looking for is what we are trying to emulate. We have been doing very well in the last three years and the players have also done well too”, he noted.
Opanuga, who also runs another third tier club in the United States of America where he is based, was quick to note that it’s not a problem managing his job as an Accountant and also as a Club owner.
“My profession is in football because I also played the game professionally too.
“I’m also the President of Nigeria Soccer Federation in the US. People ask me this question a lot, but the truth is that I juggle them well. Don’t forget that profession is also passion that’s if it’s deep in your heart.
“I love being with the kids and I equally make sure I create time to ensure my profession will not be jeopardized or suffer. I serve my clients well by giving them the best quality of service despite my also having time for my team”, he said.
So far, SGFC has several players in Europe even as they are striving to have more players in Europe’s top tier divisions.
They have a player in Cardiff City Adetaye Gbadeho, they have another in Sturm Graz, one at Werder Bremen and also one in Egypt.
SGFC Athletics currently plays in the Nationwide League One (NLO) which is Nigeria’s third tier and they are based at Ilorin, Kwara State.