Former Nigerian international football stars Mutiu Adepoju and Victor Agali took on the role of talent scouts at a major grassroots football competition in Ekiti State. The event, which culminated in a thrilling final, was designed to unearth the next generation of football stars from local communities.
Foundation Drives Community Unity Through Sport
The 2025 football competition was organized by the Mayegun Ademola Adetifa Foundation (MAAF). The founder, Chief Ademola Adetifa, stated that the initiative's core objectives were to promote unity, drive youth development, and discover raw football talent at the grassroots level. He presented cheques to the winning teams at the event held in Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area.
Speaking on the foundation's vision, Adetifa emphasized the transformative power of sports. He explained that with proper guidance and support, the identified young players could achieve greatness on the international football stage. This competition forms a key part of the foundation's broader commitment to community development and talent nurturing.
Ex-Super Eagles Laud Initiative, Identify Promising Players
Victor Agali, who runs a football academy in Badagry, Lagos State, commended the MAAF for organizing the competition. He confirmed that several promising and talented young players had been identified from the community. Agali stressed that football development should not be left to the government alone, highlighting the critical importance of individual and community-led initiatives like this one.
He credited the organizers for creating a vital platform that helps bridge the gap between raw, local talent and the exposure needed for a professional career.
Also speaking at the event, Mutiu Adepoju, fondly known as 'The Headmaster,' praised the technical skills displayed by the young participants. He called on other well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to emulate the foundation by providing similar platforms for talent discovery at the grassroots level.
Cash Prizes Awarded, Call for Improved Facilities
The competition concluded with exciting matches and cash rewards for the top teams. A team from Isao 1 emerged victorious, receiving a prize of N300,000. They defeated their rivals from Oke-Oja 2, who were awarded N200,000 for finishing as runners-up. Oke-Oja 1 secured the third position and took home a prize of N150,000.
While celebrating the success of the event, Mutiu Adepoju pointed out a persistent challenge. He urged the government to sustain and increase its support for grassroots football, noting that inadequate facilities remain a major hindrance to football development across Nigeria.
