By Olanrewaju Agiri
The highly anticipated Olukusa Football Tournament that is being organized by the Grassroots Football Talents Developers Association of Nigeria (GRAFTADEAN) commenced at Olubadan Stadium Ibadan over the weekend amidst funfair, with 17 teams commencing the race for the coveted prize.
Chief Ibrahim Sheriffdeen Akano Adetunji, the Mogaji of the Olukusa Dynasty Ibadan, who sponsored the Under-16 football tournament, said in his speech during the opening ceremony that it’s being organized with the aim of discovering and nurturing exceptional football talents in Ibadan, providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills and potentially launch their careers.
_Photo captions: The financier, Chief Ibrahim Sheriffdeen Akano Adetunji (middle) with some of Ibadan Mogajis_
The Overseer and Competition Director, Engr. W.A. Afolabi, in his address also added that the tournament is expected to be the biggest and most prominent grassroots football competition of its kind in the nation, considering the standard and incentives accrued to the football event.
In the matches played, Anderlenth FC and Street Heart Football Academy, which played at 2 pm, recorded a goalless draw, while Rush Soccer Academy and Allah’s Will FC, which played by 4 pm, ended with a 1-1 scoreline, while a football juggler thrilled the fans with a wonderful display and Yoruba cultural display performances.
The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering and celebrating the spirit of community and sportsmanship. As the day concluded, the excitement for the upcoming matches continued to build, promising more thrilling encounters in the tournament
