Mrs. Ibukun Simon, wife of Super Eagles winger Moses Simon and Chief Executive Officer of Simoiben Football Academy, has vowed that her football institution will continue to groom exceptional talents capable of shining on the world stage, just like Nigeria’s emerging defensive sensation, Benjamin Fredrick.
According to a report by Own Goal Nigeria on Friday, October 17, 2025, Mrs. Simon made the pledge while reflecting on the academy’s achievements and the remarkable rise of Fredrick one of its most successful graduates. She stated that Simoiben Football Academy remains committed to discovering, nurturing, and developing future stars who will not only represent Nigeria but also compete at the highest levels of international football.
Fredrick’s story has become one of Nigerian football’s most inspiring success tales in recent years. The 19-year-old defender, who joined Simoiben Academy at the age of 10, rose through the ranks under the mentorship and guidance of the academy’s coaching staff before securing a move to the English Premier League side Brentford. He is currently on loan at FC Dender in Belgium, where he continues to impress with his composure, versatility, and tactical intelligence.
Fredrick’s consistent performances at both club and national levels have earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s brightest young prospects. Whether deployed as a centre-back or right-back, his strength, positioning, and ability to read the game have drawn comparisons to top European defenders.
Speaking about his journey, Mrs. Simon expressed immense pride in his development and said his progress serves as motivation for other players coming through the ranks at Simoiben Football Academy.
“We have some of the best young players in Nigeria, and many more will likely follow in the footsteps of Fredrick or even better,” she said.
She further highlighted that the academy’s philosophy focuses not only on football skills but also on discipline, education, and character building key attributes she believes are essential for long-term success.
“It’s not just about producing footballers; it’s about producing role models who can represent Nigeria positively anywhere they go,” she explained.
Mrs. Simon also mentioned other promising graduates making waves in Europe, including Emmanuel Michael, who currently plays for LASK Linz in Austria. She noted that Michael’s steady progress is another testament to the academy’s commitment to quality and excellence.
“There is Emmanuel Michael at LASK in Austria as well. The idea is to help as many talented young footballers to achieve their dreams,” she concluded.
The Simoiben Football Academy, founded by Moses and Ibukun Simon, has in recent years gained recognition as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing youth football development centres
.Based in Benin City, Edo State, the academy focuses on identifying raw talents from grassroots communities and providing them with access to structured training programs, international exposure, and mentorship opportunities.
Football analysts have praised the academy for its contribution to grassroots football development in Nigeria, noting that its success stories could inspire other professional players to invest in similar initiatives. With the rise of players like Fredrick, the academy has become a symbol of hope for thousands of aspiring footballers across the country.
Sports observers believe that initiatives like Simoiben Academy could play a major role in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on foreign-born players by developing homegrown talents who can compete globally.
As Mrs. Simon continues to push her academy’s vision forward, she remains confident that the next generation of Nigerian football stars is already emerging from their ranks.
“Our goal is simple to keep producing stars who will represent Nigeria with pride and excellence,” she said with conviction.
