Oyo FA rates Olukusa Best Grassroots Soccer Tourney
The Oyo State Football Association has adjudged the Olukusa U-16 Football Tournament as the best organized grassroots soccer competition in 2025 while commending the Grassroots Football Talents Developers Association of
The Oyo State Football Association has adjudged the Olukusa U-16 Football Tournament as the best organized grassroots soccer competition in 2025 while commending the Grassroots Football Talents Developers Association of Nigeria (GRAFTADEAN) along with Chief Ibrahim Sheriffdeen Akano Adetunji, the Mogaji of the Olukusa Dynasty of Ibadan, who sponsored the tourney.
According to Oyo FA Chairman Kabiyesi James Odeniran: “The event was not just picked as the best but it met all the criteria expected of a top-notch grassroots tournament, even on a global standard; hence, this deserving recognition from the football governing body.”
The tournament was held between 8th November and 14th December at the Olubadan Stadium with 17 teams.
The Competition Director, Engr. W.A. Afolabi, informed that the winner of the tourney, De Pride FC, carted home an instant cash prize of five hundred thousand naira and the runners-up, VIA Soccer Academy, got three thousand, while the third-place match winner, Eagles Stars FC, received a cash prize of two hundred thousand naira.
Advertisement
300x250
Winners of individual awards such as most valuable player, best goalkeeper, best coach, best scorer, and best-behaved team also received customised shields and cash prize, while all three teams that made it to the podium and referees that officiated the final match also received a medal that was customised from China as memorable souvenirs.
Recognising the enormity of the tournament, Ibadan Soccer Ambassador FC, under the leadership of the ex-international, Chief Mutiu Adepoju (MON), presented the ‘Distinguished Personality Sports Award’ to the financier of the Olukusa U-16 event, Chief Ibrahim Sheriffdeen Akano Adetunji, who also doubles as the Mogaji Olukusa of the Olukusa Dynasty, during the end-of-the-year ceremony of Ambassador FC.
Read Also: Ladipo: I'll use new role as CASS patron to unify African supporters club
The award, according to the former Super Eagles midfielder and also a member of the Oyo State Football Association, was in recognition of Adetunji’s outstanding dedication and invaluable contributions to the growth, promotion, and advancement of sports within the society.
“His meritorious service to humanity and unwavering commitment to the development of football are well recognised and deeply appreciated," Adepoju added. The ceremony was a testament to the impact that individuals like Adetunji have on the community, inspiring the next generation of athletes to strive for excellence. As the evening progressed, attendees celebrated not only his achievements but also the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that he embodies.
Reacting to the development, Mogaji Sheriffdeen Adetunji stressed that although he has received numerous awards both locally and internationally, this is the first award he is receiving on his home soil, Ibadan, to be precise. He expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the importance of local support in fostering talent. This honour, he believes, will motivate young athletes in Ibadan to pursue their dreams with renewed determination and commitment.
He, however, dedicated all the recognitions and the prestigious award to the entire organising committee of the Olukusa U-16 Football Tournament led by the competition’s director, Engr. Afolabi Waheed Aderemi, and reaffirmed his promise to continue doing more for sports development.
