The month-long tournament, which featured 11 townships across Owu Kingdom, ended with Owu-Akinale defeating Owu-Surulere by a lone goal to emerge champions of the competition. The winning goal was scored by Olalekan Faruq, whose strike secured a memorable victory for his team.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Oba Matemilola said the competition was designed to channel the energy of young people into productive ventures while creating opportunities for them to develop their talents.
According to the monarch, “There are many things we intend to achieve through this competition. One of them is to ensure that we engage our youths positively. They possess enormous energy and exceptional talents, and we want to make sure those abilities are put to good use.”
He added, “We want to identify outstanding footballers and other athletes, provide them with support, training and motivation, and expose them to opportunities that will enable them to become the very best they can be. Beyond sports, we also want our youths from different communities to build friendships, strengthen relationships and promote peace and development across Owu Kingdom.”
The Olowu further praised the runners-up for their impressive performance, saying, “Those who lost by just a goal have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. I was deeply impressed by their determination and performance. In every competition, one side must eventually emerge victorious.”
Also speaking, the Towulade of Owu-Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, commended the organising committee for improving the rewards attached to the competition. He disclosed that the prize for the champions was increased from ₦250,000 to ₦400,000, while the second, third and fourth positions received ₦300,000, ₦200,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.
Oba Adediran said, “Our youths are the future of this kingdom, and we must continue to invest in them. Since this competition began, we have witnessed greater unity among our people. We are also putting plans in place to establish the Oba Matemilola Sports Commission to ensure that sports development becomes a continuous programme rather than an annual event.”
He further explained that the proposed commission would create opportunities for young athletes to train regularly, receive guidance and acquire the support needed to excel in their chosen sporting careers.
The Erelu Aje of Owu Kingdom and matron of the participating teams, Princess Kehinde Adelanwa Sobayo, described the competition as a remarkable initiative. “Kabiyesi has demonstrated tremendous foresight through this programme. The objective is not only to keep young people engaged but also to discover exceptional talents and, hopefully, produce international stars from among them,” she said.
Princess Sobayo also advised the players to remain focused and determined. According to her, “The finalists must continue to push themselves because there are no limits to what they can achieve if they remain committed to their dreams.”
The youth leader of Owu-Akinale, Deola Makinde, urged the players to pay close attention to their education while pursuing their sporting ambitions. “Football is important, but education is equally essential. Both must go hand in hand if these young people are to build successful careers and secure their future,” he stated.
At the end of the competition, Owu-Akinale claimed first position, while Owu-Surulere finished second and Owu-Sokori took third place. Individual honours were also presented, with Olumakin Ayomide of Owu-Akinale emerging as the best goalkeeper, Mubarak Akewusola of Owu-Surulere winning the Most Valuable Player award, and Basit Olaleye of Owu-Sokori receiving the award for the highest goal scorer.
