By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Arrangements have been completed to kick-start Seyi Tinubu Citizens Cup Football competition between April 12 to April 19, 2025, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

No fewer than 16 teams have registered to scramble for honours in the tournament which has promised to provide both dreams and chance for the youths.

Head of the Organizing team, Bello Aliyu Olamilekan who disclosed this while addressing journalists in Ilorin today said that the event is not just about football, but about something greater.

He said,”It’s about a movement, a movement that tells the world our generation is not just waiting for change, but driving it. We are proving that we are ready, not just to play, but to lead, to inspire, and to transform our nation.”

Olamilekan commended the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support and commitment to sports and youth development in the state, describing it as a lifeline for the youth, and a way of building Kwara that strives, not just survive.

He similarly commended Seyi Tinubu for providing what he said, wasn’t just a football tournament, but a platform, a stage for young Nigerians to rise even as he also thanked Otega Ogra for the opportunity.

“Seyi Tinubu understands that football is not just a game, it’s a language that speaks to every dreamer, a bridge that connects aspirations to reality. ” he said

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu son also charged the young athletes to take advantage of the moment, by playing with passion, integrity, and also remember that it’s bigger than winning a trophy.

“The players must know that this is bigger than winning a trophy. This is about discipline, teamwork, and the relentless spirit of never giving up. These are the qualities that build champions, just just in sports, but in life.

He added that the competition is a statement, a statement that the youth of Kwara and Nigeria are not just the future, but the present; ready to lead, ready to build, not waiting for change, but be the change.

He particularly charged the participating footballers to eschew discipline during the tournament as anyone found in playing for more than one team would be disqualified,with the team.

Olamilekan refused to disclosed amount to be given winners in the three positions, assuring that the amount would be worthwhile.
The competition is being sponsored by the state government and others

The State Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Maryam Nnafatima Imam in her remarks described the initiative as laudable and all inclusive, even as she commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for prioritising youth and sports development.

The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji for his part described the initiative as fantastic, and a.way of getting youths engaged meaningfully. He added that it’s also an opportunity to meet people and to encourage friendship and togetherness.

He also charged the youths not to see it as a win-at-all-cost affair, but a friendly platform.

Tijani Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Steady Global Investments Limited in his submission said that Sports has the power to inspire hope and transform lives, adding that the initiative was in line with the agenda of Tinubu’s administration, which are all aimed at driving development.

Players between the ages 18 and 25 will participate in the competition, which is also a scouting platform, for seven days, starting from April 12th, with the competition holding on pure knock-out system.

The teams are NA Royals, Skills FC, Morrow International FC, Ka’ah FC, FC Zeus, Alabama FA, Kwara Football Academy, Unity FA, Tsaragi Emirate FA, Eagle Stars FC, JAAD FA, AbraySports FA, D’Aztecs, La Planet FA, Asa United and Legal Stars FC.

Football enthusiasts, including the Director of Sports, Mallam Ibrahim Bako, Coaches, Players and others graced the ocassion.