Buruj CEO, Dr. Salaudeen Hails FIFA U-15 Initiative As Major Opportunity For Nigerian Grassroots Talents 

The Chief Executive Officer of Buruj Football Club & Sports Academy, Dr. Salaudeen Waheed Buruj, has described FIFA’s new U-15 World Cup & Festival as a major opportunity for young Nigerian talents to gain early international exposure and proper development.

Speaking from London, United Kingdom, Dr. Buruj said the initiative aligns perfectly with the academy’s philosophy of “catching them young” and preparing players for the global stage.

Dr. Buruj welcomed the FIFA project, noting that it will create a structured pathway for grassroots academies in Nigeria to showcase and develop their best players at an early age.

“This FIFA initiative will favour Buruj Sports Academy and give our young talents the opportunity to prepare, compete and gain valuable international exposure at an early age,” he said.

“We must catch them young, develop them properly and prepare them for the global stage.”

He explained that early exposure to international competition helps young players build confidence, tactical awareness and the mental toughness required to succeed at senior level.

According to Dr. Buruj, the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival can bridge the gap between local academy football and elite international tournaments, giving academies like Buruj a platform to nurture the next generation of Nigerian stars.

He believes the tournament will encourage more investment in grassroots development, proper coaching, education and welfare for players, rather than rushing young talents into senior football too quickly.

“This initiative can create an important pathway for grassroots academies like Buruj Sports Academy to nurture the next generation of Nigerian football stars,” he added.

Buruj Sports Academy has in recent years produced players who have represented Nigeria at U-15, U-17 levels and featured in the Nationwide League One. Two of its midfielders, Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen and Fawas Ayomide Adeleke, are currently in the UK attracting scholarship opportunities after impressive trials.

Dr. Buruj said the academy remains committed to combining football development with education, discipline and character building.

He concluded with a clear message on youth development in Nigeria:

“Catch them young. Develop them well. Expose them to the world.”

Dr. Buruj urged the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, state governments and private stakeholders to key into the FIFA U-15 programme to ensure Nigeria maximizes the benefits and gives its young players the best chance to compete globally.