In a press conference held on September 25, 2026, in Avrankou, John Gbènagnon, president of Ifangni Sohoutou Omnisports (Iso), unveiled an ambitious project to create a sports academy in the Ifangni commune. The initiative focuses on identifying and nurturing young football talents. Gbènagnon emphasized that the project aims to provide a comprehensive training program, enabling young athletes to develop their skills and potentially become professional footballers.
The Iso recently conducted a talent search campaign in the six districts of Ifangni, which drew significant interest from local youth. According to Gbènagnon, 1350 young players participated in the initial stages of the campaign, with nearly 400 preselected after the first evaluations. Following a rigorous selection process, approximately 100 young talents were ultimately chosen to join the program, with the support of experienced coaches and trainers, including Sèdogbo Alohoutadé.
The selected young players will be part of a larger project that goes beyond simple talent identification. Gbènagnon explained that the Iso aims to provide a supportive environment for the young athletes to develop both their sporting and personal skills. The project involves creating an omnisports academy that will offer a structured program, including detection, training, coaching, mentoring, and professionalization. This approach seeks to provide young players with a clear pathway from identifying their abilities to potentially becoming professional footballers.
A key component of the project is the construction of a sports complex in Daagbé, within the Ifangni commune. This infrastructure will serve as a hub for the training program and help enhance the local community's sports capabilities. The project also plans to establish mechanisms to support young talents financially, enabling them to focus on their development without worrying about financial constraints. Gbènagnon emphasized that the goal is to make the young athletes full-time scholarship holders.
Gbènagnon's personal experience has influenced the project's direction. He recounted his own story of being identified as a talented young player, but struggling to pursue a career due to financial difficulties. The Iso project aims to provide a different experience for current generations, offering them the support and resources needed to succeed. By doing so, the organization hopes to make a positive impact on the development of sports in the Plateau region.
In terms of competition, the Iso has set progressive goals. The club plans to start in the fourth division and gradually work its way up through the Beninese football leagues. Gbènagnon and his team are committed to creating a sustainable and successful sports program that will benefit the local community and contribute to the growth of football in Benin.
The Iso project has generated enthusiasm among local stakeholders, who see it as an opportunity to promote sports development and provide young people with positive outlets. As the project moves forward, it will be closely watched by fans and observers, who are eager to see the impact it will have on Benin's sports landscape. With its comprehensive approach and commitment to nurturing young talent, the Ifangni Sohoutou Omnisports academy is poised to make a lasting difference.
Key points
- The Iso project aims to create a comprehensive sports academy to develop young football talents in Benin's Plateau region.
- The project includes a talent search campaign, training program, and sports complex construction.
- The Iso plans to start in the fourth division and work its way up through the Beninese football leagues.
