OdiOlowo Talents Ready For The World Stage – Seyi Jakande
By Saheed Afolabi
Chairman of OdiOlowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Dr Seyi Jakande is optimistic that the talents from the community are ready to take on the big stage.
The sixth edition of the OdiOlowo Chairman’s Cup (OCC) is underway, with Jakande, expressing strong confidence in the tournament’s ability to nurture talent and open career pathways for young players in the community.
Speaking on the competition, Dr Jakande highlighted its growing importance as a platform for grassroots football development.
“This is the sixth edition of this tournament, it’s a tournament that we believe we will continue to improve and give all of the people especially in our community OdiOlowo Ojuwoye LCDA the opportunity in terms of continuation of their career path,” he said.
The chairman was particularly impressed by the standard of play on display, especially among the U13 boys and the female teams.
“The kind of game I watched earlier with the U13 boys and the female team, I have no doubt they are more than equipped to compete with any team in the World and I think the future is very bright for them.”
He added that competing on a standard turf would further enhance their exposure and prepare them for higher levels of the game.
Jakande pointed to the tournament’s proven track record of producing players who have progressed to professional and international stages.
“Just like what have happened in the past where we have some of the players who’ve participated in OdiOlowo Chairman’s Cup and have gone to play in Dubai, Sweden, Denmark and the Nigeria national team, we will definitely going to have more players from the OdiOlowo Chairman’s Cup going to the international market.”
The OdiOlowo Chairman’s Cup continues to serve as a key grassroots initiative in the LCDA, offering young footballers structured competition and a pathway toward professional opportunities both within Nigeria and abroad.
In the U8 category, Evergreen FA scaled past Adeola FA in a seven goals thriller (4-3), while Ajibade FA played a six goal draw (3-3) against HB Utility FA.
The U13 category saw FC Rainbow also settled for a 3-3 draw with Monak FA, while Hakade 2020 defeated Action Lion FA 3-2 in the U15 category.
Ghetto Tigers Ladies player a 1-1 draw with Lakeside Queens in the women’s section.
Defending champions, Ghetto Tigers crushed FC Phoenix 3-0 to begin their title defense.
