Rehoboth Football Academy of Ibadan triumphed over AFRAS Football Academy of Iseyin with a convincing 3-1 victory to claim the Governor Seyi Makinde U-20 Football Championship title. The grand finale, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, marked the culmination of five weeks of intense football action across the state’s geopolitical zones. This inaugural event, organized by the Oyo State Football Association under the leadership of Oba (Dr.) James Oluyemi Odeniran JP FIFA Rtd., was sponsored by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited and has been slated to run annually for the next five years.
The final showcased exceptional football artistry, with both teams battling fiercely for dominance. Rehoboth’s tactical superiority and sharp finishing ultimately outclassed the resilient AFRAS team. Earlier in the day, Muhibbat Football Academy of Iseyin secured the third-place position by edging Ana Football Academy of Ibadan 2-1 in a tightly contested match.
Dignitaries graced the final in large numbers, including prominent figures like Honourable Wasilat Adegoke (represented by Mr. Raheem Fatai), Mutiu Adepoju, a former Super Eagles captain, and Felix Owolabi, alongside several other sports icons and government officials. The event also celebrated excellence, with Godwin Thomas of AFRAS Football Academy earning the Most Valuable Player award, while Kareem Basheet of Rehoboth Football Academy clinched the highest goal scorer honor.
Governor Seyi Makinde and the sponsors were recognized for their pivotal roles in youth development through football. Ajani Hassan of Rehoboth received the Best Goalkeeper award, and his coach, Oluwafemi Babatunde Yewande, was named Best Coach of the tournament. The Governor, through his representative, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation of football talents.
