All is set for the maiden Soccer Tournament organized in memory of the father of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, tagged: Pa Olatunbosun Makinde Memorial Invitational Veterans Football Competition by the Oyo State Football Association in conjunction with Oyo State Sports Council.
The kick-off date is Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 and this was disclosed to newsmen on Thursday during a press briefing and draws for the competition held at the tennis court area, Lekan Salami sports complex, Ibadan.
According to the Oyo FA Chairman, Oba Chief James Ọdẹníran the competition is to form synergy among football coaches, retired players, football administrators and lovers of the round leather game who are retired but not tired.
Oba Ọdẹníran in his address hinted that the aim of the tourney is also to appreciate the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde for his support for sports, especially football in the state.
He commended the effort of the governor on the new look of Lekan Salami Stadium and the ongoing facelift of other six mini stadia at Oyo, Ogbomoso, Saki, Igboora, Olubadan and Iseyin.
Also speaking at the event, Governor Makinde’s immediate elder brother and a renowned legal practitioner, Olumuyiwa Makinde commended the organisers and participating teams for deeming it fit to organize a tournament in honour of his late father, Pa Olatunbosun Makinde.
The Ajia Olubadan also promised maximum support and wished all partakers an eventful outing, saying more sponsors are likely to join in supporting the event.
The maiden edition is to feature six teams; Ibadan City All Stars, Ibadan Soccer Ambassadors, Apata Odo-ona Soccer Ambassadors, Loyola All Stars, Wesley All Stars and Bodija Housing All Stars.
In group A, Apata Odo-ona Soccer Ambassadors will slug it out with Loyola All Stars and Ibadan City All Stars while Wesley All Stars, Bodija Housing All Stars and Ibadan Soccer Ambassadors are grouped in B.
According to the organizers, venue for the opening match is the Lekan Salami stadium Adamasingba Ibadan on Sunday, July 3rd between Apata Odo-ona Soccer Ambassadors and Loyola All Stars at 3.45pm while Wesley All Stars will trade tackles with Bodija Housing All Stars at 5:00pm.
Other dignitaries present during the briefing included; Oyo State Sports Council Chairman, Hon Gbenga Adewusi, Oyo FA vice chairman Comrade Isaac Ayangbile, Oyo FA secretary, Kehinde Ojelowo, Mr. John Kayode, Mr. Akintunde both Oyo FA members, and representatives of all participating teams.
Packaged by Olanrewaju Agiri
