Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, will once again take centre stage in Nigeria’s baseball and softball calendar as the 4th MoniMak Softball Championship gets underway from July 26 to 30, 2026, at the Baseball Park, Ilorin, with 13 states/clubs expected to compete.
Addressing journalists at the SWAN Media Centre, Ilorin, today Thursday, July 23, 2026, the sponsor of the championship, Mrs. Monisola Yemisi Makanjuola, alongside the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mallam Duro Sanni, assured participants and fans of a well-organised, exciting and memorable tournament.
Mrs. Makanjuola, who is the Vice President of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA) and a Board Member of the Kwara State Sports Commission, described this year’s championship as the biggest and most impactful since its inception.
She noted that the annual competition has continued to promote baseball and softball across Nigeria by creating awareness, expanding participation and providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents.
Speaking on the objectives of the tournament, LOC Chairman Mallam Duro Sanni, popularly known as “Falcao,” said the championship, with the theme “Empowering Girls, Building Champions and Shaping Tomorrow,” was designed to discover and nurture grassroots talents while providing a pathway for outstanding players to earn national team invitations.
According to him, the championship has become an important talent identification programme for the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association, particularly in the women’s category.
Sanni also disclosed that the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, is expected to attend the grand finale as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Magaji, will serve as the Chief Host.
He expressed appreciation to Mrs. Makanjuola for her sustained commitment to the development of baseball and softball in Nigeria, describing her investment in the championship as a major boost to grassroots sports development and female participation in sports.
Cash prizes will be made available by the sponsor.
Also present at the media briefing were the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee and the Kwara Baseball and Softball Association, Abdullateef Oloyin; Tournament Director, Coach Toba Alegbe; Mr. Moses Adebola of ASSPO; Coach Joseph Ogunseye; Coach Twaki Sunday; and Kwara State Softball Coach, Bilkis Ali.
The five-day championship is expected to feature keen competition among participating teams, while further strengthening Kwara State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading centres for baseball and softball development.
