Oyebode football tournament boosts youth talent development in Ekiti

The 2025 Professor Akin Oyebode Football Tournament concluded at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, with Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government emerging champions after a 5–4 penalty shootout victory over Oye Local Government, following a thrilling 3–3 draw in regulation time.

Irepodun/Ifelodun edge Oye on penalties to win thrilling 2025 final

Winners and runners-up in both male and female categories received cash prizes, underlining the tournament’s commitment to rewarding excellence and motivating young talent.

Now in its fourth edition, the competition featured teams from across local governments in both categories. Ado Local Government clinched the female title with a victory over Oye Local Government, while Irepodun/Ifelodun finished third. In the male third-place match, Ado Local Government defeated Gbonyin/Aiyekire 3–2.

Beyond the results, the tournament reflects a broader philosophy that has consistently shaped Akin Oyebode’s approach to public service: that investing in people remains the most enduring form of economic infrastructure.

Competition strengthens grassroots pipeline with cash rewards, rising participation

Sport, as showcased by the competition, fosters discipline, builds character and opens pathways for young talents who might otherwise go unnoticed. The tournament is structured to provide a credible platform for visibility, development and upward mobility at the grassroots level.

One of the standout performers, Jimoh Kudirat, said the tournament offered valuable exposure and strengthened her ambition of pursuing a professional football career abroad.

Representing Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Stephen Aribasoye, commended Oyebode, the state’s Commissioner for Finance and tournament sponsor, for his sustained commitment to youth and sports development.

“The tournament has grown steadily in scale and impact since its inception, illustrating how structured, community-led platforms can complement government efforts in identifying, developing and sustaining grassroots talent pipelines,” he said.

Oyebode, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the governor and reaffirmed the vision behind the initiative.

“Governor Oyebanji and I share a conviction that the most important infrastructure we can build in Ekiti is not roads or buildings, but the confidence and capability of our youth. His support for initiatives like this reflects that,” he said.

“To Jimoh Kudirat and every young talent on that pitch, your dreams are valid, and the world is bigger than this stadium. Keep working.”

He added that sports development remains a key pillar of the state government’s six-point agenda, noting that the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium has undergone significant rehabilitation over the past year.

“This progress is why individuals like me are encouraged to continue personal and family-funded interventions in sports,” he said.