FIFA launches talent academy in Mauritania

Mauritanian federation president Ahmed Yahya (middle) joined by former Swiss international Gelson Fernandes (front) at the inauguration of the FIFA Academy in Nouakchott. Photo Credit: Fédération de Football de la Mauritanie (FFRIM)

In recent years under the guidance of Ahmed Yahya, Mauritania continues to emerge as a force in African football administration. The Mauritanian Football Federation (FFRIM) have now joined forces with FIFA to launch a talent academy in the West African nation's capital of Nouakchott.

The event was graced by prominent FIFA and CAF officials with a video statement from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The FFRIM have made major strides to make this talent academy a reality. The talent academy was initiated by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in 2022 under FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS). It is the first talent academy set up by FIFA in Africa.

The program is said to be a nurturing ground for young talents and more than 200-member associations have been benefited from it. The talent academy will help to strengthen the way talents are being developed in Mauritania as the nation continues to rise in prominence in African football.