By Olanrewaju Agiri
The Oyo State Football Association has adjudged the Olukusa U-16 Football Tournament as the best organized grassroots soccer competition held in the state in the year 2025 while commending the Grassroots Football Talents Developers Association of Nigeria (GRAFTADEAN) and Chief Ibrahim Sheriffdeen Akano Adetunji, the Mogaji of the Olukusa Dynasty of Ibadan, who sponsored the tourney.
The soccer event, according to Oyo FA Chairman Kabiyesi James Odeniran, “was not just picked as the best, but it met all the criteria expected of a top-notch grassroots tournament, even on a global standard; hence, this deserving recognition from the football governing body.”
Photo captions: Mutiu Adepoju (right), President of Ambassadors FC, Ibadan and member of Oyo State FA, presenting award to Mogaji Ibrahim Sheriffdeen Akano Adetunji
The superlative soccer event was held between 8th November and Sunday 14th December, 2025, at Olubadan Stadium with 17 teams, according to Engr. W.A. Afolabi, the Overseer, and
Competition Director, where the winner of the tourney, De Pride FC, carted home an instant cash prize of five hundred thousand naira, and the runners-up, VIA Soccer Academy, got three thousand, while the third-place match winner, Eagles Stars FC, received a cash prize of two hundred thousand naira.
Winners of individual awards such as most valuable player, best goalkeeper, best coach, best scorer, and best-behaved team also received a customised shield and cash prize, while all three teams that made it to the podium and referees that officiated the final match also received a medal that was customised from China as memorable souvenirs.
During the final, well-decorated backdrops and a customized podium were made with fireworks in celebration of the eventual winner of the maiden soccer fiesta, “the first of
it’s kind of in the history of a grassroots football competition in Nigeria,” according
to Engr. Afolabi, the overseer of the event.
Also recognising the enormity of the tournament, Ibadan Soccer Ambassador FC, under the leadership of the ex-international, Chief Mutiu Adepoju (MON), presented the ‘Distinguished Personality Sports Award’ to the financier of the Olukusa U-16 event, Chief Ibrahim Sheriffdeen Akano Adetunji, who also doubles as the Mogaji Olukusa of the Olukusa Dynasty, during the end-of-the-year ceremony of Ambassador FC.
The award, according to the former Super Eagles midfielder also known as the Headmaster and also a member of the Oyo State Football Association, was in recognition of Adetunji’s outstanding dedication and invaluable contributions to the growth, promotion, and advancement of sports within the society.
“His meritorious service to humanity and unwavering commitment to the development of football are well recognised and deeply appreciated,” Adepoju added. The ceremony was a testament to the impact that individuals like Adetunji have on the community, inspiring the next generation of athletes to strive for excellence. As the evening progressed, attendees celebrated not only his achievements but also the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that he embodies.
Reacting to the development, Mogaji Sheriffdeen Adetunji stressed that although he has received numerous awards both locally and internationally, this is the first award he is receiving on his home soil, Ibadan, to be precise. He expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the importance of local support in fostering talent. This honour, he believes, will motivate young athletes in Ibadan to pursue their dreams with renewed determination and commitment.
He, however, dedicated all the recognitions and the prestigious award to the entire organising committee of the Olukusa U-16 Football Tournament led by the competition’s director, Engr. Afolabi Waheed Aderemi, and reaffirmed his promise to continue doing more for sports development.
