The founder and proprietor of one of the oldest grassroots football clubs in Ibadan, Allah’s Will FC, Alh. Muritala Odesola and the BOT vice chairman of Grassroots Football Talents Developers Association of Nigeria (GRAFTADEAN) Engr. Whaeed Afolabi were part of dignitaries that was honoured with distinguished sport merit award in Ibadan on Friday.
The both personalities were recognized for their huge contributions to the development of grassroots football development in Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria during the annual Role Model Champions Night Football Show held in Ibadan and organized by Babatunde Saheed, a Yoruba Sports’ presenter with Fresh FM Ibadan.
Alhaji Odesola who has founded and been sponsoring Allah’s Will FC for almost 30 years with many notable products from the team doing well in Nigerian League and abroad was singled out for recognition and received a Pillar of Support Award from the organizer.
Engr. Afolabi who happened to have coached Allah’s Will FC in the past but has now delved into football administration and rose to the enviable position of vice chairman Board of Trustee of GRAFTADEAN was also full of gratitude to the founder of Allah’s Will FC.
“Alh Muritala Odesola laid the foundation of what we all become in the football family in Oyo State for us more than 30 years ago and we are happy building solid structures on that foundation in terms of nurturing players from the very grassroots and administering football to achieve premium results.” said the GRAFTADEAN chieftain.
He however urged Babatunde Saheed whom he described as a pathfinder when it comes to sports broadcasting in native language and a good partner with great concern for grassroots football development.
Other dignitaries that were awarded during event are CEO of the Ajebi Tradomedical, Alhaji Isiaka Awujoola, Alh Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Abdulrazak Ganiyu Mr. GRA, Adams Opakunle, Yinka Ayefele, Hon. Bako Arowolo and many others.
