The Kwara football academy, which was modeled after Dutch football academies has successfully produced several youngsters.Four products of the academy; namely Kelvin Kpakor, Barnabas Imenger, Gbenga Arokoyo and Chinedu Ajanah have since graduated to the Nigeria Premier League side, Kwara United.
In this report, SuperSport.com profiles the rookies who secured their first professional contracts in the NPL.
Kelvin Kpakor – Midfield/Attack
This youngster is following the footsteps of his father, Moses Kpakor, who came to prominence in the domestic league.
He is only 17 years old, but Kelvin has convinced everyone that he has learnt the trade the right way under the legendary Clemens Westerhof, a former Super Eagles coach. Interestingly, his father, Moses, was tutored by the same Dutch at the Super Eagles.
Kelvin proved that Kwara United manager, Kadiri Ikhana, made no mistake when he gave him his debut during the Super 4 League, in August.
The youngster is actually the first product of the KFA to score a goal for Kwara United.
However, it was during the Super 4 League, which was organised after the regular 2009/2010 NPL season.
On August 8, the teenager beat one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the league, Afeso Attah, when he chipped from 35 yards to score against Sunshine Stars during the Super Four in Ijebu-Ode. Overall, he worked well with his teammates.
He is known for his strength, pace and ability to shoot with both feet though he is left-footed player.
Barnabas Imenger - Forward
Imenger is also from a football family. His father, Barnabas, equally played under Clemens Westerhof in the Super Eagles.
The youngster is the first product of the KFA to score a league goal for Kwara United.
He entered the history books with a goal against Kaduna United on match day two in the NPL. However, the visitors came back into the game and secured an equalizer.
Imenger has grown in confidence and there is no doubt that he has more goals to score as the season progresses.
In fact, assistant coach of Kaduna United, Abdullahi Heyman applauded his performance on match day.
“He’s a natural striker who will go far. His final touch was perfect,” Heyman told SuperSport.com
Gbenga Arokoyo - Goalkeeper
Arokoyo is a goalkeeper who excelled at the Academy.
He got a chance during the Super 4 with Kelvin and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Arokoyo didn’t show any sign of a rookie when he was in goal. In fact, his team conceded a goal after he was substituted due to injury during the four-team competition.
The young goalkeeper has been out of action due to injury but returned to training on Monday.
Chinedu Ajanah - Defender
Chinedu Ajanah is a brilliant defender, who can play anywhere amongst the back-four.
Assistant coach of Kwara United, Tunde Sanni told SuperSport.com that Ajanah was drafted to the team after the Super 4.
Ajanah was an unused substitute during the first match at Warri Wolves.
Kwara United coach, Kadiri Ikhana will certainly have no problems at his defence-line with a player like Ajanah who can fill it properly.
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