November 3, 2025 marked the official launch of the Ilaji Football Group, marking a significant milestone in its mission to create a globally integrated football ecosystem that bridges Africa and Europe.
Ilaji Football Group is an international football brand which was founded with a unified goal: to develop football players capable of playing and competing internationally.
It also seeks to establish sustainable pathways into professional football, and raise operational and promote ethical standards within the sport.
Its structure integrates academy development, club ownership, and strategic partnerships, creating a structure that supports both sporting and commercial growth, offering youth athletes, opportunities that have never been offered before.
The official launch event, held at the Grand Excelsior Hotel, brought together industry stakeholders, partners and guests to witness the unveiling of the Group’s strategic vision and brand identity.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Justin Fenech, Deputy Chairman of the Group, highlighted the importance of offering players tangible international pathways, while ensuring both professional and ethical football development in both Nigeria and Malta.
“Ilaji Football Group stands for opportunity, excellence, and transparency. Our commitment is to create a system where talent from Africa and Malta can find a clear and structured route into European football,” he stated.
Chairman, Chief Dotun Sanusi, emphasised the Group’s foundation in community impact and youth empowerment, while highlighting its deeper social mission and reflecting on the values that inspired its formation.
“Football is a unifying language. Through the Ilaji Football Group, we are building a bridge that connects continents, cultures, and dreams,” he noted.
Presenting the Group’s operational and business strategy, Group CEO, Mr. Timothy Gingell, outlined a long-term plan focusing on sustainable investment, partner engagement, and brand development.
He underscored the Group’s commitment to transparency and long-term planning as key factors in attracting investors and collaborators.
This was corroborated by the Group Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Prince Adesina Araoye, who emphasised that striving towards financial sustainability will enable the group to be at the forefront of its goals, ensuring that it can build targets that will leave a lasting legacy.
Mr Gingell also announced that the group is currently closing off talks for the acquisition of FC Vysočina Jihlava, a professional football club based in the Czech Republic, guaranteeing that international pathways are established immediately.
This strategic move marks Ilaji’s first major European expansion and reinforces its goal to create a network that supports player mobility, talent exchange, and international cooperation.
Mr. Jasper De Muinjick, Head of Football, outlined the Group’s player development, playing philosophy and technical structure, aimed at nurturing young talent, their professional pathways, and aligning academy training standards across all three clubs in Nigeria, Malta and the Czech Republic.
The press conference was attended by two MFA vice presidents, Mr. Adrian Casha and Mr. Trustin Farrugia Cann, Mayor for the locality of Swieqi, Mr. Noel Muscat, and Mr. Francesco Postiglione CEO of Casumo, who shared their thoughts on the project.
Other distinguished guests included Dr. Abib Olamitoye Group Chairman/CEO Ibadan Central Hospitals, Tolu Medical Centres and Academy Suites;
Mr Josef Pace Mr Josef Pace Consultant to the Ilaji Movement and Running School; Mr Joseph Fenech, education expert and father to Dr. Justin Fenech and Mr Laim Mangion, Senior Men’s head coach of Swieqi United FC.
With operational presence and leadership in Nigeria, Malta, and the Czech Republic, the Ilaji Football Group is poised to play an influential role in modern football development.
Its vision blends sporting excellence with educational and commercial sustainability, offering a forward-thinking model for responsible, inclusive and progressive football growth.
