Former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) star and ex-Nigeria U-23 international, Alalade A. Wasiu, has appealed to the Kwara State Football Association (FA) to support ongoing efforts aimed at developing grassroots football in Oyun Local Government Area of the state.
Alalade, who currently plays professional football in Iraq, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Alhaji Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, where he presented a replica jersey to the football administrator.
During the visit, the former ABS FC player briefed the FA Chairman on his recent intervention in grassroots football development across Oyun Local Government, which saw him donate footballs, jerseys, and other training materials to several community-based football clubs.
According to Alalade, the initiative was inspired by his desire to give back to the communities that nurtured his football career and provided the platform for his rise to national and international prominence.
He noted that the donated items are more than ordinary sporting equipment.
“These footballs, kits, and training materials are not merely sporting items; they are tools that sustain dreams, inspire young talents, and create opportunities for future stars to emerge,” he said.
The former NPFL star added that his vision is to help discover and develop more football talents from Oyun and Kwara State, stressing that grassroots football remains the foundation upon which sustainable football development is built.
Responding, the Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Alhaji Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, commended Alalade for remembering his roots and investing in the next generation of footballers.
He described the gesture as a worthy example of how successful athletes can contribute meaningfully to community development and sports growth.
The FA Chairman pledged the association’s continued support for initiatives championed by football stars such as Alalade Wasiu and Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi, whom he praised for their commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots football development.
Thuraya noted that the association would continue to partner with individuals and organizations whose programmes align with the overall objective of discovering and nurturing football talents across the state.
He further charged other current and former athletes from Kwara State to emulate the laudable efforts of Alalade and Awoniyi.
According to him, the duo have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to positively impacting society through football and humanitarian initiatives.
“Alalade and Taiwo Awoniyi have shown that success is not only about personal achievements but also about giving back to society. Their efforts are commendable and worthy of emulation by others who have benefited from the opportunities football has provided,” he said.
The visit further highlighted the growing role of football stakeholders and professionals in supporting grassroots sports development and creating pathways for young talents to realize their dreams.
