In 2018, CK Gefane Football Club was born out of a deep passion for football and a vision to develop young African football stars. At the heart of this dream was Mrs. Akadri Bilikisu Blessing, a dynamic leader whose commitment to the youth of Kaduna led to the creation of one of the most promising youth football clubs in the region.

The Spark of an Idea

Mrs. Blessing’s journey into football was deeply personal. Growing up in Kaduna, she saw first-hand the immense talent and raw potential among local youth, but also the lack of structured opportunities for these young athletes to develop their skills. For many, football was just a game played in the streets with no real pathway to success. Mrs. Blessing, herself a long-time football enthusiast, knew that this needed to change.

With a background in business and community outreach, she decided to use her expertise to establish a club that would not only foster football talent but also teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. What began as a small idea soon gained momentum, as people in the local community began to take notice of her passion and commitment.

The Founding of CK Gefane FC

In the summer of 2018, CK Gefane Football Club was officially founded. The name “Gefane” was chosen to reflect the club’s core values – "Gefane" signifying growth and empowerment in the local dialect. The club’s primary focus was to offer young boys and girls the opportunity to train and grow, with an emphasis on youth development rather than immediate competitive success.

Mrs. Blessing’s vision was simple but profound – to create a place where young players could develop their skills, learn from experienced coaches, and possibly one day play at the highest levels of national or international football. With this goal in mind, she gathered a team of passionate coaches and administrators, all of whom shared her vision for developing well-rounded, talented players.

Early Struggles and Triumphs

The early days of CK Gefane FC were filled with challenges. Establishing a football club from the ground up, especially in a region where resources were limited, was no easy task. Mrs. Blessing and her team struggled to find funding, secure proper facilities, and attract the right kind of talent. But the passion for the project kept them going.

One of the biggest hurdles was finding an appropriate training ground. For a while, the team practiced in local parks and open fields. This not only made training difficult but also hindered the club’s ability to host matches and attract sponsors. Despite these challenges, the founding members remained determined to push forward.

Building the Community Network

One of the greatest strengths of CK Gefane FC was its immediate connection with the local community. Mrs. Blessing knew that for the club to succeed, it needed the support of local families, businesses, and organizations. She spent countless hours meeting with local stakeholders, explaining the club’s mission, and gaining their trust.

Word began to spread about the young club’s potential, and more and more local kids started showing up for tryouts. Some came from families with a strong football background, while others were newcomers to the sport but eager to develop their skills. It became clear that CK Gefane FC was filling a much-needed gap in the local community.

By the end of 2018, CK Gefane FC had already made a name for itself as an organization committed to helping young people build their futures through football. However, despite early successes, Mrs. Blessing knew there was much work to be done to ensure the club’s sustainability and growth.

Early Investments and Partnerships

Mrs. Blessing understood that financial backing was crucial for the club’s survival. She began looking for partnerships and sponsorships that could help fund the development of better facilities, attract high-quality coaching staff, and provide players with the resources they needed to thrive.

In the coming years, CK Gefane FC would form strategic partnerships with local businesses, including KGEES Diamond LTD and KOMET NIG. LTD, which would provide much-needed financial backing and support for the club’s operations. These partnerships laid the foundation for the growth that CK Gefane FC would experience in the following years.

Legacy and Forward Vision

The founding of CK Gefane FC by Mrs. Akadri Bilikisu Blessing marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. As the club grew, it became clear that Mrs. Blessing’s vision was not only a catalyst for football in Kaduna but also for community transformation. Through the club’s youth development programs, she was shaping the next generation of football stars, while teaching life skills that would help them in all areas of their lives.

Looking forward, CK Gefane FC aims to become a recognized name in youth football in Africa. With a focus on community-building, player development, and partnerships, the club is on a path to greatness. Mrs. Blessing’s commitment to the cause ensures that CK Gefane FC will continue to inspire young players for years to come.