Firstouch Football Academy CEO Vincent Atamah has praised his players for their performances in the ongoing RAK League, describing their early displays as a sign of the academy’s potential and a foundation for bigger ambitions.
Firstouch have shown character in their opening games of the competition, bouncing back from a 2-1 defeat to Eva-Light FA in their opening Ojo Conference fixture with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds FC.
Clement David’s early goal secured the win against Leeds, while goalkeeper Taofeek’s impressive performance helped Firstouch preserve their clean sheet and claim an important result.
For Atamah, however, the results are only part of a much bigger picture.
The Firstouch chief executive believes the performances demonstrate the talent and determination within the squad and has called on the players to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their development.
“I am extremely proud of the boys and the way they have conducted themselves so far,” Atamah said. “Football is not only about winning games. It is about character, discipline, hard work and continuous improvement. I believe these boys have shown that they have the right attitude and the potential to go very far.”
Atamah says the academy’s long-term objective is to establish Firstouch Football Academy as one of the leading football development institutions in Nigeria.
He believes that achieving that ambition will require more than producing talented players on the pitch. The academy intends to invest in the overall development of its footballers, including access to quality training facilities, professional coaching, proper player development programmes and an environment capable of preparing young footballers for the demands of the modern game.
“We want Firstouch to be recognised among the best academies in Nigeria,” Atamah said. “That is the dream, but we understand that dreams require serious work and investment.”
A major part of that vision is to create a pathway for Firstouch players to compete at the highest levels of the game, including opportunities in Europe.
Atamah says the academy wants to develop players who can meet international standards and ultimately supply quality young talent to clubs and football markets outside Nigeria.
“Our ambition is not just to develop players for the local environment,” he added. “We want to develop quality footballers who can compete anywhere in the world. We want Firstouch to become a recognised pathway for talented Nigerian players who have the ability and ambition to play in Europe.”
To achieve that goal, the academy plans to strengthen its infrastructure and provide players with better facilities and training conditions. The focus will be on creating an environment where young footballers can develop technically, tactically, physically and mentally.
Atamah also emphasised the importance of patience, insisting that player development is a long-term process.
“We are building for the future. We want to give these boys the facilities, coaching and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. It will not happen overnight, but we are committed to the process.”
The CEO’s message comes as Firstouch continue their RAK League campaign with growing confidence following their victory over Leeds FC.
While the academy’s immediate focus remains on competing strongly in the tournament, Atamah’s ambitions extend well beyond the current campaign.
For Firstouch, the ultimate objective is clear: build one of Nigeria’s most respected football academies, develop exceptional young players and create a pathway that can take Nigerian talent to the European stage.