Sports
Full text of Engr. Dotun Sanusi’s Speech, Chairman, Ilaji Stadium & Resorts Center during The Closing Ceremony Of 1st MASM U-17 YSFON Female Soccer Tournament
IT is my pleasure to welcome you all to this august gathering. For the seven days now, Nigerians of different backgrounds have been socializing with one another. Teams from different states have contested against one another and matches have been won and lost and to God be the glory not a single fracas nor confrontation has been recorded, be it from the officials or the players; this is a proof that Nigerians are peace-loving and that sports in general and football in particular is a unifying factor and a panacea to the socio-security challenges that have bedeviled our nation in recent
times.
Couple of years past not many people can predict that this community will play host to the competition of this magnitude considering the myriads of challenges facing it, but I will let us know what has been our driving force.
Besides God Who has been the pillar of our lives and a constant factor in everything we set out to do, our other secret that has been propelling us is that 6-letter word- BELIEF-. Just as
Leroy Hood once said and I quote, “don’t underestimate the power of your vision to change the world. Whether that world is your office, your community, an industry or a global movement, you need to have a core belief that what you contribute can fundamentally change the paradigm.
” With MASM tournament, we have been able to show that, given the right atmosphere, talents are abound in this country and our national teams should be competing very well with their counterparts in abroad.
At this juncture, I want to express my profound gratitude to the officials of Youths Sports Federation Of Nigeria (YSFON) for sharing with us the belief that Ilaji Stadium and Resorts Center and, by and large, this community, can successfully host an inter-state competition.
Here in this arena, YSFON has recreated a mini national sports festival. Sadly enough, the National Sports Festival, one of the competitions that used to supply our nation raw talents, was last held in 2012. I am, thus, imploring the relevant authorities to ensure that the Sports Festival which has now been slated for November does not experience postponements of the last four years.
Without gain-saying competitions such as the National Sports Festival and MASM U-17 YSFON Female Soccer competition are incubators of sporting talents through which our national teams can be saturated with genuine global competitors.
I must confess that I am highly pleased with the conduct of the participating teams and their officials in the past one week but what gladdens me most is the quality of football displayed on the field of play by all the teams right from the group stage to the semi-final matches played yesterday.
Considering the high level performances we have watched so far, we have every reason to be optimistic about the future of female football not only in Oyo state or Ona-Ara local government but at the global stage.
However, It is an irony that considering the abundance of sporting talents in our country, at least judging from the raw talents we have witnessed here in this tournament, Nigeria national teams still record poor showings at international competitions; a good example of this was the dismal outing of our own Super Eagles which culminated in their exit in the ongoing senior world cup hosted by Russia. Thus, i want to appeal to our football authorities at various levels in this country once again to endeavor to send coaches to the grassroots competitions such as this with a view to scouting for talents that can do us proud in subsequent competitions. If our football authorities can take it upon themselves to look inward for young talents and subsequently provide an enabling environment with which they would be nurtured, I can confidently say that within a short period of time, our national teams will compete effectively with the football super powers like Brazil, Germany, Spain, England, Portugal, France, Japan just to mention but a few.
In view of this, I am using this medium to appeal to corporate bodies and individuals to see sports as golden investment and service to humanity. Sports, besides, providing gainfully employment to our teeming youths, will also serve as a tool through which crime will be drastically reduced. It is an open secret that majority of the crimes that are unleashed on our society are perpetrated by our unemployed youths who indulge in these illicit activities thinking that the society will give them the recognition they deserve once they have acquired the ill-gotten wealth.
MASM, an acronym of Madam Agbeke Sanusi Muslimat, is put together by YSFON in memory of my mother who passed on exactly ten years ago . For the benefits of young girls present here today, motherhood is a great work that God, our creator, also recognizes. It is not by coincidence that the scriptures (Bible and Quran) speak glowingly of our mothers. Infact, God dedicates a whole chapter to women in the Quran; all these is an indication of the exalted positions God Almighty has placed women in general and our mothers in particular.
This special focus to the entire womenfolk in general and our mothers in particular couldn’t have been coincidental; it is God’s way of the wonderful job our mothers carry out on us. Therefore, immortalising my mum through this competition is my little way of appreciating her efforts which has gone a long way in moulding this standing here before you.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has contributed in one way or the other to the huge success recorded so far. My sincere thanks go to Almighty God, the Author and Finisher of our faith. I am expressing my profound gratitude to the entire YSFON officials both at the state and at the national level.
My special thanks go to the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. I also appreciate the supports of Commissioner for Youths & Sports, Bar. Yomi Oke; Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela; Commissioner for & Housing, Mr Isaac Omodewu; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community Development, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Atinuke Osunkoya; Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor, Chief Grade
Ojo.
Many thanks to Chairmen of Ona-Ara, Inukan and Ido local government, Hon. Buliaminu Ogundele, Hon. Lanre Adesina and Hon. Wahab
Oladejo respectively.
I also appreciate the efforts of management and staff of Ilaji Stadium and Resorts Center headed by Mrs. Olarinde, Coach Zico, Coach Sesan,
Mr. Ademola, Engr. Hawai who is the architect and designer of Ilaji Stadium & Resorts Center.
My special thanks to Oyo State Commissioner of Police, the DPO, Akanran and his men, the Head of Medical team, the media team, Hazeez
Ayansola and Mr Sport.
I won’t forget my friends, Mr. Babatunde Olaniyi (Ti-O-Common), Dr. Olamitoye, Dream Wise and many others.
I also appreciate our partners from PortHarcourt and here in Ibadan,
our local Chief Security official, the Head of Oloyo Village, Association of the physically challenged people, the entire Sanusi family, the participants and their officials over their outstanding performances in this past one week, everyone present here, the j here present, ladies and gentlemen.
I wish everybody a safe trip back home.
Captain of the Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade, has said the team is determined to become the best women’s football team in the world.
Ajibade spoke yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a reception hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in honour of the Falcons following their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Nigerian ladies clinched their 10th continental title after a hard-fought campaign, further cementing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s team.
Ajibade, in an emotional speech, said the team’s goal goes beyond continental glory.
“We’re not content to rest on our laurels. Our vision is bold. We want to become the best women’s football team in the world,” the Atletico Madrid star said.
She described herself as “a proud daughter of Nigeria” and paid tribute to the dreams of young girls across the country who look up to the team.
“This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream,” she said.
Ajibade, who spoke on behalf of the team, coaches, and technical crew, thanked the Federal Government for its support and appealed for continued investment in women’s football.
President Tinubu, in his address, conferred national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and the 11-member technical crew.
The President also approved the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to each team member under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and a cash reward of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each player, while members of the technical team received $50,000 each.
He praised the Falcons for lifting the nation’s spirit and inspiring unity through their performance.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” Tinubu said.
“You have inspired me too. You represent the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you and the next generation.”
The President said the Falcons’ WAFCON victory was not just a sporting feat but a symbol of the courage, discipline and resilience that define Nigerians.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency,” he said.
The reception was attended by top government officials, sports administrators, and stakeholders in the football community.
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Super Falcons on their historic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
The Falcons, who came from two goals down to seal the win in Rabat, clinched their 10th WAFCON title—further cementing their status as the most successful team in the history of the competition. Reacting to the victory, Oseni described the performance as “a warrior’s triumph that speaks volumes about the indomitable Nigerian spirit.”
In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele in Ibadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency said the team’s resilience should serve as a symbol of hope and unity for the entire nation. “They refused to surrender. That comeback from two goals down defines who we are as Nigerians—strong, focused, and unstoppable when united,” he said.
The Falcons had gone behind in the 13th minute when Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak capitalised on a loose ball to fire past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The hosts doubled their lead through Sanaâ Mssoudy before halftime, putting Nigeria on the back foot before the break.
However, second-half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini turned the game on its head, securing victory for Coach Justin Madugu’s side and avenging their 2024 semi-final loss to the North Africans. Oseni also hailed Madugu’s tactical brilliance, describing him as “the architect of a new chapter in women’s football in Nigeria.”
The lawmaker who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) joined other national figures, including President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in celebrating the Falcons. The President had earlier taken to his verified social media accounts to praise the team’s performance, declaring, “Mission X: Complete!” while Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos, described it as a flawless display of Nigerian spirit.
Oseni urged the Falcons not to rest on their laurels but to build on the momentum ahead of their title defence and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. “This is just the beginning. You have inspired millions of girls across the continent. Keep flying the flag and keep making Nigeria proud,” he added.
He also called on sports authorities and private stakeholders to invest more in women’s football, noting that the team’s success was proof of the untapped potential in the sector. “We have global stars in the making. Now is the time to give them the platform and support they truly deserve,” the lawmaker submitted.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a thrilling comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday, clinching their record-extending 10th continental title.
The win was sweet revenge for Justin Madugu’s side, who were eliminated by the Atlas Lionesses in the semi-finals of the previous edition.
Despite a bright start by the Falcons, it was the Moroccans who struck first in the 13th minute. A loose ball fell kindly to tournament top scorer, Ghizlane Chebbak, who rifled her effort past Chiamaka Nnadozie to hand the hosts an early lead.
Nigeria tried to respond through Ijamilusi Folashade, but her tame effort was easily gathered by Moroccan goalkeeper, Khadija Er-Rmichi.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Fatima Tagnaout released Sanaâ Mssoudy, who drove into the box and fired a low, left-footed strike beyond Nnadozie to make it 2-0.
Morocco maintained their advantage into the break as both sides went into the dressing room with the scoreline firmly in the hosts’ favour.
The Super Falcons returned with renewed purpose in the second half, stepping up their intensity and putting the Moroccan defence under sustained pressure.
Nigeria nearly pulled one back when a collision between Er-Rmichi and defender Nesryne El Chad almost gifted the Falcons a goal, but the Moroccan defence cleared their lines in time.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 63rd minute when a ball hooked back into the area by Ijamilusi struck the arm of defender Nouhaila Benzina, resulting in a penalty. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to halve the deficit.
Eight minutes later, Okoronkwo turned provider, sprinting down the right flank before cutting back a well-timed pass for Ijamilusi, who made no mistake from close range to level the tie at 2-2.
The Falcons completed their sensational comeback in the 88th minute when Jennifer Echegini reacted quickest to a deep free-kick, stabbing home from close range to spark wild celebrations on the Nigerian bench.
The victory sees Nigeria reinforce their dominance in African women’s football, securing their 10th WAFCON title and reasserting their status as the queens of the continent.
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