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(L-R) Fredrick Oliseh, Anderson, Hansen, Churchill Oliseh
The Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, recently paid a visit to non-league football side, FC Ebedei, in Sagamu, Ogun State, which serves as a nursery for Danish Super League side, FC Midtjylland.
Hansen’s visit didn’t come as a surprise due to the fact that the FC Ebedei/FCM partnership represents a key bond in Nigeria/Denmark international relationship.
This partnership is not just about football; it embodies a form of sports diplomacy as it has also helped to oil diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Denmark.
By linking Sagamu, Nigeria, to Herning and Ikast, both in Jutland, Denmark, the collaboration strengthens people-to-people ties between Africa and Europe.
Players moving between the two clubs serve as cultural ambassadors, learning new languages, adapting to different lifestyles, and fostering mutual respect.
Moreover, this partnership reflects the power of sport to transcend geography, foster cultural understanding, and create opportunities that benefit both continents.
Femi Ajilore’s move to FC Midtjylland in 2002 marked the beginning of a relationship that has blossomed for over two decades with Ebedei. Others have since moved after Ajilore.
Today, FC Ebedei has grown into one of Africa’s most respected football nursery brands and remains the African academy for FCM.
History
Founded in 1998 by Churchill Oliseh, who played a role in the transfer of players like Joseph Dosu, Ugochukwu Enyinaya and Blessing Kaku amongst others, FC Ebedei, is Nigeria’s first football nursey that has been long committed to structured youth development, producing players who combine Nigerian flair with European discipline.
An initial partnership with Italian side, Reggiana, produced top stars like Obafemi Martins ad Ayo Makinwa for the national team and several teams across Europe.
As FC Ebedei evolved, the need to innovate became imperative and this led to the construction of its facility at Sagamu.
This unique philosophy attracted Midtjylland more than two decades ago, creating a partnership that has stood the test of time and yielded global football success stories.
Today, FC Ebedei has metamorphosed into a Sports College to meet the needs of the ever-evolving football industry.
Super Eagles trio of Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika amongst others learnt their trades at Ebedei’s Sagamu facility.
The trio has since left FCM to underscore their development. Interestingly, Onuachu hit a brace over the weekend for Trabzonspor, in Turkey, while Onyeka was on duty as Brentford hit Manchester United 3-1 in the Premier League and Onyedika remains a trojan with Belgian side, Club Brugge.
(L-R) Proud graduates – Onuachu, Onyedika, and Onyeka
Beyond Football
The work at FC Ebedei is not just about talent development – it now involves strengthening relationship with its Sagamu host community and developing youngsters to become better socially and educationally.
International Diplomacy
For Nigeria and Denmark, it was a reminder that sometimes, the strongest diplomatic ties are forged not in conference halls, but on football fields where dreams take shape.
Hansen
Received by FC Ebedei President, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, General Manager, Fredrick Oliseh, and FC Midtjylland’s UEFA Pro License coach, Jonas Dal Andersen, who has served as Sporting Director since 2022, Hansen had a tour of the facility.
He said: “This world-class facility will undeniably elevate FC Ebedei and Ebedei Sports College’s standing on the global football arena.
“Barrister Churchill Oliseh has made significant contributions to Nigerian football by nurturing grassroots talent and helping them evolve into international stars through his collaboration with Denmark’s FC Midtjylland.”
Responding, Oliseh said: “The visit from the Danish Ambassador and his team is monumental and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on FC Ebedei, the College and its alumni.
“This facility is much more than just a venue for matches; it represents the heart of Ebedei Sports College and serves as a training ground for the future stars of football on the global stage. We view this space as a vital asset, showcasing our commitment and progress in keeping up with modern trends in the sport.”
Next Generation
To commemorate the visit, a friendly match was played in the Hansen’s honour with Ebedei defeating GreenLock FC 1-0.
The visit and friendly match was an experience with the next generation of FC Midtjylland’s and Nigeria’s stars.
Indeed, Hansen won’t forget his visit as he witnessed the next Onuachu or Onyeka preparing to take the Ebedei–Midtjylland story into the future to enhance Nigeria/Denmark international relations.
