Ilaji Sports Resort has commenced its weeklong National U16 Boys Soccer Championship with the opening match in favour of Ilaji FC beating visiting Optimum FA of Ondo State seven goals to nil.
The week long sports festival is slated to hold from 27th November to 2nd December, 2023 at the Ilaji Resort International Stadium, Akanran, an area of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state in collaboration with Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) started with funfair and merriment.
Speaking with Pressmen, Chief Operating Officer of the Resort, Mr Adesina Araoye said the essence of the event is to hunt soccer talent for home and international countries.
Adesina noted that the event would draw male footballer from across the 36 states of the federation, within the 16 years age bracket.
The Operating officer added that the lucky hunted players will be financed until the both the local and international football clubs are able to poach them into their respective teams.
Adesina maintained that the weeklong football festival will enable local and national football scouts to hail some of the talents, and as well stable the young footballers’ economy and finance.
In the meantime, Mr Adesina while appreciating the founder of Ilaji Football Club, Chief Dotun Sanusi for his vision at liberating the Ona-Ara Local government area and the entire people of Oyo state through his philanthropy, appreciated spectators and football scouts both from Nigeria and oversees who came to watch the opening match between the Ilaji Football club and Optimum FA of Ondo State as Ilaji FC thrashed the visiting club by seven goals to nil.
In her reaction, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Oyo State, Miss Wasilat Adegoke commended the founder of Ilaji Hotels and Resorts and ICAST, Dotun Sanusi for always hailing youth talents across the country.
Miss Adegoke equally exolted the YSOF, for choosing Ibadan for her business, urged other investors to choose Oyo State for their ventures for a secure business atmosphere.
Dignitaries at today’s opening Ceremony include:
Dr. Justin Fenech – President, Sweiqi United FC, Malta,
Timothy Gingell – MD/CEO, Sweiqi United FC, Malta,
Saviours Darmanin – Technical Director/Chief Scout, Sweiqi United FC, Malta,
Etienne Fenech – Football Scout, Sweiqi United FC, Malta and,
Henry Ekezie – Football Scout/Liaison for Sweiqi United FC, Malta.
