The municipality of Lakota is preparing to become a key hub for Ivorian football. On May 22, 2026, at a press conference held in Abidjan-Cocody, Mayor Arthur Prince-Richard Dalli, accompanied by his partners Valérie Raphoz and Nabil, unveiled a major project: the creation of a football training center modeled on European standards.

The event generated great enthusiasm, marked by the presence of former national football stars – notably the African champions of Senegal 92 – as well as numerous showbiz figures who came to support this vision.

Combining sporting excellence and educational success

More than just a football school, this future academy aims to be a powerful engine of socio-economic development for the Lôh-Djiboua region and the whole of Côte d'Ivoire. The project is based on a three-pronged approach:

1. High-level sports coaching to detect and polish raw talent.
2. Rigorous educational monitoring to guarantee the future of young people, on and off the field.
3. A structured professional integration that meets the requirements of modern football.

“We have very talented players here, with qualities specific to Ivorian football. We need to provide them with suitable infrastructure and quality training.” — Arthur Prince-Richard Dalli , Mayor of Lakota

Expertise inspired by the best African success stories

To achieve this ambition, the municipality is surrounding itself with seasoned experts. The mayor notably emphasized that the project relies on the expertise of partners who have already proven themselves on the continent, directly referencing the success of the PSG Academy Senegal .

Valérie Raphoz, a key partner in the initiative, also praised the viability and depth of this approach:

"We were receptive to the mayor's vision because it is a long-term project designed to create real opportunities for young people."

Next steps

With the official launch now complete, the project's backers anticipate further announcements in the coming days. These will detail the future infrastructure, the academy's educational program, and the strategic partnerships currently being finalized.