By Gabriel Princewill And Martin Cole-
John Fashanu is raking in an estimated £50K a month from his academy, as aspiring footballers try to maximise his leverage in the sport internationally.
British born Fashanu declined to confirm his earnings, but observers of Fashanu’s academy say he has about 50 visitors a month in Abuja, Nigeria, where he spends a lot of his time.
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Aspiring footballers pay the equivalent of £1,000(1 million Naira) for a 12 day session with Fashanu, where he spends time with them first on an individual basis, before assembling them to interact on the field in his massive estate called Sun City in Nigeria’s rich capital of Abuja
Fashanu also has three known houses in the UK, and is believed to have a few in the U.S, and Switzerland.
The former British footballer, worth an estimated £20m is also earning over £400, 000 annually in real estate, and has 88 houses in his massive estate in Abuja, where his academy is based. He rents a majority of them to both sportsmen and professionals from different fields, but accommodates hoard of hungry potential football stars that flock to his academy.
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Some critics have attacked the Wimbledon ambassador for using his wealth and status to increase his leverage for earning more money, but big Fash who is decoy about confirming exactly how much he earns from his academy , told The Eye Of Media.Com: ”I feel blessed, but all I am doing is trying to have a positive impact on people, and help people achieve their potential.
”A lot of people have talent, but need the right support and opportunity to bring the best of their talent. They need focus and dedication, and we provide that at my academy.
”I try to help these youngsters make football like their wife, where they live and breath football, and learn how to do do much with ball. They know the value they get here, the word goes around, and it is like a family at this academy, they enjoy it”.
One of three expensive jeeps parked at Fashanu’s opulent estate
Status
A prolific goal scorer for Aston Villa and Wimbledon, his status attracts a lot of interest from youths his native country of Nigeria where he has an estate of 88 houses, home to professionals and sportsmen, with a number of other homes used to accommodate talented footballers hungry for an opportunity to play abroad.
Footage of the player’s participance in club matches are sent to Fashanu for assessment, as he only wants to train with the best talents
Prominent men in Nigeria have been sending their children to the academy to train with the former England ace, to maximise their chances of joining a premiere league club abroad.
Most aspiring talents are in their mid teens, but Fash’s academy is increasingly seeing some children as young 9 and 10 years of age turn up for training in his academy.
”What is happening here is that many parents want to start their children young so they bring them here to give them an early start. I take a look at them and put them in a disciplined training regime, where they live well and play with other talents. I can gauge where they are, and work on improving their skills”.
Dreams
John Fashanu’s academy provides aspiring footballers with an opportunity to hone their skills and pursue their dreams of playing for premier football clubs.
Many individuals enjoy the experience so much that they return for additional sessions, seeking further improvement.
However, while the academy offers invaluable training, it is important to note that securing a place in a premier football club abroad requires meeting specific criteria.
Players still have to be assessed on a competitive level by other experts in the sport, but there is always an edge when they have trained with the best.
John Fashanu’s academy in Abuja has quickly gained prominence as a premier training ground for aspiring footballers in Nigeria. With his extensive experience in the sport, Fashanu has meticulously designed a comprehensive training program that aims to cultivate talent and provide aspiring players with the skills necessary to succeed in competitive football environments.
John Fashanu with two of his players at the academy Image: Ade Martins
Legacy
The academy’s reputation is built on Fashanu’s legacy as a former professional footballer who played for top clubs in England, including Wimbledon and Aston Villa. This association with success and expertise has undoubtedly contributed to the academy’s popularity and success.
The academy offers a rigorous 12-day training program, where participants engage in intensive football training sessions, tactical drills, physical conditioning, and matches.
Football aspirants pay £1,000 for the entire duration of their stay, a significant investment that demonstrates their commitment to their footballing aspirations.
The training sessions are structured to enhance technical skills, tactical understanding, and overall physical fitness.
Participants are exposed to experienced coaches and trainers who provide personalized attention, aiming to identify and improve the individual strengths and weaknesses of each player.
The success and reputation of John Fashanu’s academy can be measured by the number of returning participants. Many aspiring footballers are impressed by the quality of training and the supportive environment provided by the academy, which compels them to come back for additional sessions.
The positive experiences shared by these returning participants highlight the effectiveness of Fashanu’s coaching methods, the camaraderie developed among players, and the overall impact of the academy on their skills and confidence.
Stepping Stone
The academy acts as a stepping stone for these young talents, helping them fine-tune their abilities and build a strong foundation to pursue their footballing careers.
While John Fashanu’s academy plays a crucial role in shaping the skills of aspiring footballers, it is essential to recognize that securing a place in a premier football club abroad requires more than just training. The participants must meet certain criteria and stand out among the vast talent pool of aspiring players.
Premier football clubs abroad scrutinize players based on various aspects, including technical abilities, tactical understanding, physical attributes, and mental resilience.
Additionally, factors such as age, adaptability, and potential for growth are taken into account during the selection process.
Participants of the academy must not only showcase their skills but also demonstrate a well-rounded profile that aligns with the requirements of the clubs they aspire to join.
The academy provides a platform for players to showcase their abilities and gain exposure through organized matches, tournaments, and scouting opportunities. Additionally, Fashanu’s connections in the football industry can potentially open doors for exceptional talents to be noticed by professional clubs.
Meeting the specific criteria set by these clubs, including technical proficiency, adaptability, and potential for growth, is vital. Nevertheless, the academy provides participants with the necessary skills, exposure, and connections to increase their chances of fulfilling their dreams of playing for premier football clubs and achieving success in the competitive world of professional football.
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