36 Teams to Participate in Ondo U-17 Football Competition — Commissioner

Posted : 10 October 2025

The Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmi, has revealed that 36 teams from across the state are set to participate in the Governor’s Cup, tagged O’Datiwa U-17 Football Competition.

Omoyofunmi made this known at a press conference held in Akure ahead of the commencement of the tournament.

According to the commissioner, the competition will showcase a new generation of football stars and serve as more than just a sporting event, but a movement of hope, unity, and opportunity for the youth.

He emphasized that the championship reflects the governor’s visionary commitment to youth empowerment through sports, aligning with the state government’s OUR EASE agenda.

Omoyofunmi explained that the 36 participating teams would be drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state, with each LGA presenting two teams after a rigorous screening process.

“Through this initiative, we are creating a structured pathway to discover and nurture young football talents from our grassroots communities, while also promoting discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of healthy competition among our youth,” he said.

He added that eligible players must be under 17 years of age (born on or after January 1, 2008), and each team would be allowed to register 20 players along with three officials. Valid identification and age verification — such as school or academy records — will be required, while teams are expected to wear official home and away kits.

“Beyond football, this competition is a celebration of unity and cultural identity,” Omoyofunmi stated. “We believe sports have the power to bring people together, regardless of background, tribe, or belief. As our youths represent their local governments with pride, they remind us that we are one family united by purpose and passion. Each match will symbolize peace, discipline, and mutual respect — values our administration continues to uphold.”

He expressed optimism that the next generation of Nigerian stars, such as Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman, could emerge from the state through this tournament.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Kehinde Akinrotoye, praised the ministry for initiating the project. Similarly, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Fasua, commended the ministry for reviving the state’s sporting legacy.

Fasua, who also serves as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), confirmed that all 17 other local government chairmen are committed to supporting the success of the competition.

Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency, Divine Ogbonnaya, also pledged the agency’s full support, adding that outstanding talents discovered during the event would be given opportunities to develop and reach stardom.

The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Segun Giwa, assured the commissioner and other stakeholders of the association’s support in covering the tournament. He urged all partners to work collaboratively to ensure the competition’s success.

36 Teams to Participate in Ondo U-17 Football Competition — Commissioner

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