Oba Ladoja launches ex-Ibadan professional footballers school of sports

Oba Ladoja launches ex-Ibadan professional footballers school of sports 



By OyoSportsNews 


The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Aruna I, has officially launched the Ex-Ibadan Professional Footballers Association (EIPFA) School of Sports, describing the initiative as a landmark project that will significantly contribute to the development of sports, youth empowerment, and educational advancement in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

The revered monarch, who was represented by the Aare Onibon of Ibadanland, Chief Abiola Iyiola, performed the official launch during a colourful ceremony held alongside a novelty football match between Ex-Ibadan Professionals and Ex-Super Eagles at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Speaking on behalf of the Olubadan, Chief Iyiola commended the leadership of EIPFA for conceiving a project capable of transforming the lives of young athletes through a combination of sports and education. He noted that sports remain a powerful tool for nation-building, youth engagement, peace promotion, and social integration.

According to him, the integration of education with sporting activities will provide a sustainable pathway for young talents, reduce unemployment, discourage youth involvement in social vices, and create opportunities for personal and professional development.

"The EIPFA School of Sports is a visionary initiative that aligns with the aspirations of our society. By combining sports with education, the project will help prepare young people for successful careers both on and off the field," he stated.

The event attracted an array of distinguished personalities, traditional rulers, sports administrators, former athletes, and football enthusiasts. Among those in attendance were the Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Mustapha Adebayo Oyero; members of the Olubadan-in-Council; the Alakinyele of Akinyele and Chairman of the Oyo State Football Association, Oba James Odeniran; former Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honourable Umar Farouk Arisekola; members of EIPFA; and several other royal fathers and dignitaries.

A major highlight of the occasion was the much-anticipated novelty football match between Ex-Ibadan Professionals and Ex-Super Eagles. The encounter, witnessed by a large crowd of football lovers and supporters, commenced with a ceremonial kick-off performed by Chief Iyiola on behalf of the Olubadan.

The highly entertaining match featured several former Nigerian internationals and football legends who thrilled spectators with flashes of their enduring skills and experience. At the final whistle, both teams settled for a deserved 1-1 draw in a game that celebrated friendship, unity, and the enduring spirit of football.

Speaking after the event, the Chairman of EIPFA and Oyo State Pillar of Sports, Mr. Temitope Ademola Obideyi, expressed profound appreciation to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented by Chief Abiola Iyiola, other royal fathers, distinguished guests, football legends, supporters, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the launch.

Obideyi reiterated the vision of the EIPFA School of Sports, explaining that the initiative was established to ensure that talented athletes pursue academic education alongside their sporting careers. He revealed that the association has already secured strategic partnerships with reputable higher institutions to provide scholarship opportunities and educational support for aspiring athletes.

He emphasized that the project is designed as a long-term investment in the future of sports and youth development, adding that it will serve as a beacon of hope for countless young athletes across Oyo State and beyond.

"Our goal is to build not only successful athletes but responsible and educated individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. We believe that sports and education must go hand in hand if we are to secure a brighter future for our young people," Obideyi said.

Popular posts from this blog

Meet Ilorin-born Soliu Ajia Yakubu,Flying Eagles Goalkeeper for AFCON

Image
Meet Ilorin-born Soliu Ajia Yakubu,Flying Eagles Goalkeeper for AFCON  An Ilorin-born goalkeeper, Soliu Ajia Yakubu, will wear the Nigerian badge at the upcoming U20 AFCON tournament in Egypt. The former Gidado Football Academy player was part of the squad listed for the AFCON final list by Coach Aliyu Zubairu. Soliu currently ply his trade in Serbian league with FK Novia Pazar. He's one of the homegrown talents expected to shine in the AFCON.  His father hails from Itakure in Ilorin while his mother hails from Gambari also in Ilorin. The young goalkeeper has been incredible so far in the camp, and he's expected to justify his inclusion in the AFCON trip. Coach Aliyu Zubairu who led the team to WAFU-B championship victory last October is banking on the support of Nigerians to win the U20 AFCON in Egypt.
Read more

Yewa FC Academy clinch Samurai league title with unbeaten record

Image
Yewa FC Academy clinch Samurai league title with unbeaten record Yewa FC Academy have been crowned champions of the 2025 Samurai Football League after finishing top of the table with an impressive unbeaten record in the four-team competition which was held in Ikenne,Ogun State. The young side, who are barely two months old and only began operations on 21 October 2025, proved their quality and resilience throughout the tournament, amassing seven points from three matches to emerge winners. HiYewa FC Academy opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over M&N FC, before consolidating their dominance with a convincing 2–0 win against Amazing Boys FC in Match 2. They wrapped up their remarkable run with a 1–1 draw against Elegant Football Academy, ensuring they completed the Samurai League without defeat. With two wins, one draw, three goals scored and just one conceded, Yewa FC Academy’s performance marks a landmark achievement for a club still in its...
Read more

From Springsoca Academy to Stardom: The Story of Super Falcons Star, Folashade Ijamilusi

Image
From Springsoca Academy to Stardom: The Story of Super Falcons Star, Folashade Ijamilusi  A solid foundation remains key to a lasting and enduring experience. Above is the expression that best captured the story of the Nigeria Super Falcons star, Folashade Ijamilusi, whose discovery and nurturing was engineered and championed by Springsoca United Academy in Lagos. Folashade, one of the heroines of the Nigeria Super Falcons 's achievement of winning the 10th WAFCON in Morroco recently began her football journey at Springsoca United Academy. Her notable impact of scoring two important goals and assisting the team in achieving their age long dream of Mission X has etched Folashade's name in the history book. Despite being one of the players who made the cut for their first WAFCON tournament in Morocco, she was heavily involved from the quarter-finals for the Super Falcons team after sitting out the group stage games. While she scored the last goal during the 5-0 thumpi...
Read more