Nigerian music icon Burna Boy, a.k.a. Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is taking his talent to a whole new field—literally! With the launch of his Burna Boy Football Academy, he’s giving young athletes in Nigeria the chance to train like pros while staying connected to their roots. Known for his unique fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall, Burna’s now merging his love for culture and sports, using his influence to create opportunities for local youth to excel in football. With top-tier coaching, a focus on personal growth, and a powerful sense of community, Burna’s academy is more than just a training ground; it’s a new way for young Nigerians to dream big.
So, what does this academy stand for? How is it helping young Nigerians to achieve their dreams, and most importantly, what is life like inside Burna’s academy? Let’s take a closer look at how this Afrobeat sensation is making waves far beyond the music stage.
Inside the Burna Boy Football Academy, the aim is to develop well-rounded players who are not only skilled on the pitch but also strong individuals off it. With four locations across Nigeria—Ikoyi, Surulere, Port Harcourt, and Abuja—the academy offers programs for young athletes aged 4 to 21. These are split into two groups: the Junior Academy for players aged 4–15 and the Senior Academy for those aged 16–21. The academy runs its programs three days a week, with two mandatory hours per session, and is flexible enough to accommodate special requests from families.
The training at Burna Boy’s academy goes beyond just football skills. It includes intensive team training, positional coaching, and personalized conditioning designed to push players to the next level. Plus, players benefit from advanced development techniques that help them grow both as athletes and as individuals.
Burna Boy’s commitment to quality is evident in the academy’s top-tier facilities. The training pitches are well-maintained, buildings and rooms are of high quality, and the equipment is of the highest standard. Even the academy’s buses are top-notch, ensuring players are always safe and comfortable when traveling to and from training. Every detail is thought through, with a focus on providing players and their families with an organized and smooth experience.
What really sets this academy apart is its real-world football exposure. For senior players (16-21), the academy is involved in local leagues and tournaments, providing opportunities for players to showcase their skills in competitive matches. These external competitions are optional but are a great way for players to gain valuable match experience.
The academy also does more than just offer training—it immerses players in the professional football experience. In a recent video, players were seen having a fun time with frequent visits from Burna Boy, truly vibing and training to the tunes of the man himself. They were also seen receiving professional-grade gear (PUMA) and sportswear, which boosts their confidence and helps them feel like they’re already part of the football world. This helps young athletes realize that the path to becoming a pro is closer than they think. In this video, the state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality conditions to live and train were also clearly visible, which has been liked and appreciated by Nigerian football youth and fans across social media, considering the state and situation of the economy in Nigeria, especially in terms of development of sports, more particularly in the sport of football.
For older players (18-21), Burna Boy’s ‘Burna Boy Football Show’ helps showcase top Nigerian talent, with scouts from European clubs keeping an eye on the players. This show gives them the exposure they need to take their football careers to the next level. It has a four-stage process to help them pursue a professional career. First, players must register online and pay a N10,000 fee. Then, they go through screenings in various Nigerian cities, where scouts select the best talent. After passing the screening, selected players are invited to the Dream Camp in Lagos, where they undergo intensive training, physical assessments, and competition. Finally, the best talents are showcased to top European clubs for potential recruitment. The academy offers a professional experience, with medical support, security, and top-tier facilities to prepare players for the global football stage.
At the Burna Boy Football Academy, it’s not just about football—it’s about vibing to your favourite Afrobeat tunes while chasing your dreams. With Burna Boy himself as the ultimate mentor, these young athletes are living the dream, playing footie daily, and feeling the energy of the legend in their corner. The academy offers more than just top-notch training—it’s a platform where these future stars grow, develop, and get the exposure they need to shine. Football’s not just a game here; it’s a lifestyle, and with Burna Boy leading the way, these kids are set to take on the world.
