The chairman of Ex-Ibadan Professional Footballers Association (EIPFA), Temitope Obideyi has disclosed that a total of 90 budding stars have been discovered this year through the body’s schools’ talent hunt ventures.
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Sports247 reports that Obideyi made this known while speaking ahead of Friday’s final of the EIPFA Statewide Secondary Schools Football Tournament, which began on February 25th and will climax at Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Obideyi further stated that the competition has brought together football talents from all across Oyo State in one of the most extensive students development ventures ever.
He noted that, with a total of 80 secondary schools providing students who competed in the two-month long competition, EIPFA has provided a huge addition to the state’s reservoir of football talents.
While revealing that the competing schools were drawn from 10 zones across the state, Obideyi stressed that the contest was designed with the aim of discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of champions.
He also explained that the participating schools were drawn from three zones in Ibadan, two from Ogbomoso as well as one each from Ibarapa, Irepo, Saki, Kajola, and Oyo; with 1,440 students demonstrating the depth of Nigeria’s untapped talent.
Obideyi retorted, “This association was formed to promote sports development across Oyo State. At the same time, this tournament is not just about competition, but also about creating opportunities for young athletes.
“At the end of the screening process, 90 outstanding players were selected. From this group, we will further identify the best 30 players who will receive support in both their education and football development.”
Sports247 noted that, with its focus on grassroots engagement and talent development, the EIPFA tournament continues to position itself as a vital platform for shaping the future of football in Oyo State and beyond.
