FC Ebedei president Barrister Churchill Oliseh was honoured by FC Midtjylland at the MCH Arena in Herning, where supporters applauded his role in advancing Nigerian football before the club’s UEFA Europa League qualifying match against Beşiktaş.
Quick facts
- The tribute took place at the MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark.
- Oliseh has worked with FC Midtjylland as a strategic partner for almost 25 years.
- FC Ebedei’s European training tour is scheduled to last three months.
- Ebedei Sports College opened applications for its 2026 intake in June.
- New students are due to begin orientation in September 2026.
Oliseh attended with his wife, the vice-president of FC Ebedei, and their sons Fredrick, Gabriel and Stefan. Fredrick serves as the club’s general manager and head of youth development.
Before kick-off, the stadium announcer outlined Oliseh’s impact on the partnership between the clubs, prompting a standing ovation from the home crowd. The family later moved towards the supporters’ section to thank fans for their reception.
Oliseh described the occasion as deeply moving for both his family and FC Ebedei. He said the recognition from Midtjylland was greatly appreciated and took pride in nearly 25 years as the Danish club’s strategic partner, a period in which they have helped develop leading Nigerian players.
He also pointed to the partnership’s historic success, including Midtjylland’s first Superliga title, won with players who graduated through their joint development system.
For a quarter of a century, FC Ebedei has served as a major pathway for young Nigerian footballers seeking careers in Europe. Oliseh has supplied players to every senior Nigeria national-team honour since 1995, while the academy has been the biggest source of Super Eagles players over the past several decades.
FC Ebedei’s academy is currently undertaking a three-month training visit across Europe. The Herning ceremony coincides with the opening of admissions at Ebedei Sports College in Apele-Sagamu, where the Oliseh family’s football-and-education model continues.
Applications for the 2026 academic year began in June, and orientation is planned for September 2026. The college is also accepting fee-paying students to create a broader and more inclusive intake alongside its scholarship talent scheme.
Students are prepared for WAEC and NECO examinations through small-group teaching and adaptable timetables. Their academic work runs alongside a European-style football programme featuring ball control, tactical instruction and physical training suited to each age group.
Video analysis and participation in league competition are also part of the programme. The college’s facilities include modern playing fields, classrooms, laboratories, a library, a medical unit, a student common room, dependable electricity and fast internet.
The coaching and support team includes professionals holding FIFA, CAF and UEFA licences, alongside qualified teachers, sports-medicine specialists and other support personnel. Boarding pupils share rooms in groups of four and receive laundry services, internet access and meals.
Students compete in local, national and international fixtures, tournaments and development tours. That exposure is designed to prepare them for future opportunities in football as well as academic careers.
