Ondo flags off U-17 football competition among secondary school students
The Ondo State Government has disclosed its readiness to organising this year’s under-17 football competition among secondary school students in the State.
Segun Omoyofunmi, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, who stated this in Akure at a press conference to herald the competition, therefore, said the tournament tagged; ‘O’Datiwa U-17 football competition’ would unravel a new generation of stars in the State.
According to him, the championship is not just a football competition, but a movement of hope, unity and opportunity which represents the Governor’s visionary commitment to empowering the youth through sports in line with ‘OUR EASE’ agenda .
He added that next Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman could emerge right from here in Ondo State through the competition, saying the “O’DATIWA Governor’s Cup is more than a sporting event, it is a legacy project that will outlive this administration”.
Omoyofunmi said; “through this initiative, we are creating a structured pathway for discovering and grooming young football talents from our grassroots communities, while also fostering discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of healthy competition among our young people.
“The Governor’s Cup will feature 36 teams, representing all 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State with two teams per local government. Players must be U-17 (born on or after 1st January 2008). Each team registers 20 players with three officials.
“Valid ID cards and age verification required (school/academy records). Teams to wear official jerseys (home & away kits preferred.
“Beyond football, this competition is a celebration of unity and cultural identity. We believe that sports have the power to bring people together; irrespective of background, tribe, or belief.
“As our youths play side by side, representing their local governments with pride, they remind us that we are one Ondo family united by purpose and passion. Each match will serve as a symbol of peace, discipline, and mutual respect; values our administration continues to uphold.”
Gbenga Fasua, Divine Ogbonnaya and Segun Giwa, the Akure South Local Government Chairman, Chairman of Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) and Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) hailed the initiative of the Ministry on its efforts to return the old glory of the State in Sports.
Fasua, who doubles as the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), therefore, promised that the remaining 17 chairmen in the State are ready to work and make the competition a success.
