Simon Adingra recalls being abandoned abroad at 12 in fake academy ordeal | OneFootball

Sunderland winger Simon Adingra has described being stranded in Benin at the age of 12 after his family were duped by a fake academy, leaving him and nine other boys without support.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, the Ivory Coast international is at the World Cup, having not been selected for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

He and the group travelled from Ivory Coast to Benin expecting an academy place, but were abandoned with no accommodation, help or money. With no means to return, they stayed together, took odd jobs and washed plates in restaurants in exchange for small payments and meals.

Their fortunes changed when a fellow Ivorian, who recognised their accent in the street, found them housing. He helped set up a small football centre around the group, which gradually grew into a functioning academy in Benin.

A tournament in Ghana followed, where Adingra was spotted by the Right to Dream academy, a turning point that launched his career. He progressed to Nordsjaelland and Brighton & Hove Albion before moving to Sunderland.

On 28 December 2025 he scored his first Sunderland goal in a 1-1 home draw against Leeds United. After struggling for regular starts under Règis Le Bris, he joined Monaco last winter on an initial loan for £870,000, with an option to buy for £16million.

Source: Sunderland Echo