The much-anticipated annual Oba Matemilola Football Competition has officially commenced with the screening of talented youth footballers from various townships and communities within the Owu Kingdom.
The event marks the beginning of weeks of sporting excitement and community participation aimed at fostering unity and development through football.
The screening exercise, held across designated centres in Owu Kingdom, attracted a large number of young footballers eager to showcase their skills and earn a spot in their respective community teams.
Coaches and officials supervised the process to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection of players who will represent their communities in the main competition.
While speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Akinlagun of Owu kingdom who is also the coordinator of the competition High Chief Oluseyi Adediran stressed that the competition, which is now an annual tradition in the Owu calendar, is being organized as part of activities to celebrate the third coronation anniversary and birthday of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, which comes up in August 4th.
Chief Oluseyi emphasized that the tournament is more than just a football event. It is a strategic initiative designed to engage the teeming youth population in positive ventures and steer them away from anti-social behaviours and societal vices.
“This football competition is one of the many ways Kabiyesi is using to connect with the youth and encourage them to channel their energy and talents productively.
“We believe that through sports, we can reduce crime, drug abuse, and other vices affecting our communities,” he said.
Chief Oluseyi added that the tournament will also feature table tennis and lawn tennis.
Meanwhile, one of the organizers of the tournament Coach Adekunle soleye
(AkA kareka) noted that all communities and townships in Owu Kingdom are expected to participate in the competition, with each team preparing intensively for the games.
He added that the tournament promises thrilling matches, discovery of raw talents, and a renewed sense of camaraderie among the youth and elders of the kingdom.
He maintained that over the years, the Oba Matemilola Football Competition has become a platform for identifying young football talents who have the potential to progress to professional levels.
“As one of the organisers have assured all stakeholders of a well-coordinated and hitch-free event. Matches will be held across various fields in Owu communities, culminating in a grand finale during the coronation and birthday celebrations of Kabiyesi in August”he said.
