The Ex-Ibadan Professional Footballers Association (EIPFA) is set to rediscover the next generation of young football talent from secondary schools across Oyo State, as it prepares to host the final stage of the statewide secondary schools football tournament on April 9 and 10 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.
Speaking with the newsmen, the association’s chairman, Temitope Obideyi, noted that the tournament aims to restore Oyo State’s lost glory in producing young football talent. He added that it focuses on discovering, mentoring, and empowering young talent across communities in Oyo State.
He explained that the tournament spans all 10 zones in Oyo State, adding that 8 secondary schools were selected from each zone.
“The tournament cut across the secondary schools in Ibadan zone 1, 2, 3, Saki zone, Irepo zone, Kajola zone, Oyo, Ibarapa and Ogbomoso zones 1 and 2, and our scouting members are tasked with selecting the best from the participating secondary schools in the state.”
He disclosed that the tournament kicked off on February 25 and 26, during which 90 players were selected from 1,440 students. He added that 30 qualified young talents will be selected in the final stage of the tournament.
“The competition began on February 25 and 26, with the different secondary schools playing on matchdays 1 and 2, respectively. Each school played two games, and 90 players have been picked.”
He maintained that the tournament offers several opportunities for qualified young players, stressing that the association would provide scholarship opportunities and integrate the young talents into football teams at the local, national, and international levels.
Obideyi noted that the association has partnered with the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education to ensure the continued education of the qualified young talents and to build the future of youth in sports.
“This is the biggest secondary schools football tournament in the South West, set up to discover, develop, and prepare young football talents both on and off the pitch. It has been mandated that every participating student must have a secondary school result to be able to further their studies.”
He further added that the final stage will comprise 6 teams, and the 30 qualified candidates will be selected by former international footballers and veteran coaches, including Mutiu Adepoju, Patrick Pascal, Dimeji Lawal, Friday Ekpo; Ayo Adeyemo, the chairman of the Oyo State Coaches Association; and Sunday Folarin, the coordinator of the local organising committee.
After the qualified players have been selected, he noted that students from other zones will be relocated to Ibadan to further their studies and participate in football training on a fully funded scholarship.
Obideyi urged government, brands, and individuals to sponsor the tournament to contribute to the rediscovery of young football talent in Oyo State, stressing that funding is mainly from the association’s purse.