FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, commended the recent Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting improvements in officiating and overall organization.
Impressed by the positive developments, FIFA plans to establish football academies in several African countries, including Ghana, to foster talent development.
Wenger emphasized the need for quality football education and competitions to enhance the game’s competitiveness.
He revealed FIFA’s intention to open new academies in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Ghana, and Zambia within the next six months to a year.
By the end of 2026, the goal is to have 75 academies worldwide.
Ghana stands to benefit from FIFA’s investment in talent scouting, as individual academies in the country have already contributed players like Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Mohammed Salisu to the national team.
These talents showcase the potential of Ghanaian football on the global stage, further motivating FIFA to set up an academy in the country.
In Wenger’s vision, the expansion of football education and the focus on quality competitions will elevate the sport’s standard, making it more competitive and appealing globally.
The Africa Cup of Nations played a pivotal role in dispelling negative perceptions about African football, presenting a compelling case for FIFA’s increased involvement in the continent’s football development.
