Sports development at the grassroots has been described as a viable means of uniting people of various communities in the country.
One of the stakeholders in sports industry and organiser of Jagulanbi tournament, an America based philanthropist, Barrister Abiola Abdulkareem stated this during the press conference to mark final of Jagulabi Football competition at Osi Central School Playing ground, in Ekiti Local Government of Kwara State.
Barrister Abdulkareem said the competition was aimed at bringing sense of belongings to the youth across the various communities in Kwara state.
Barrister Abiola Abdulkareem urged other stakeholders in sport Industry to emulate the gesture by supporting the government in grassroots sports development.
In his remark, the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Football Association, Chief Salaudeen Ayotola Jimoh commended the organiser of the competition for the initiative and promised that the association would nurture the talents discovered during the tournament to stardom
Ten clubs from Ekiti, Oke Ero, Isin and Irepodun Local governments participated in the tournament.
In the 3rd-place match, Ayedun FC defeated Young Elites, 4-2 via a penalty shoot-out, after 1-1 scoreline at regulation time.
In the final Omu Aran United FC defeated Omumu FC, by 1-0 to lift the 2021 Jagulabi football tournament trophy.
In attendance at the final were the Olosi of Osi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulkareem Saliu Adasọfẹgbẹ, Arowobeku the 1st; the Ọwá l’Obbo of Obbo Ilé, The Ọwá of Eruku, among other prominent indigenes of the town.
The likes of ace sportscaster, Bayour Issa; the Chairman, Èkìtì Local Government Football Council, Alhaji Salaudeen Jimoh; The Technical Director, Coach Sam Elijah (MON), was there for scouting purposes.
The 3rd place team, Ayedun FC went home with a cash prize of ₦50,000, while the 2nd-placed, Omumu FC became ₦70,000 richer. And the Champions, Omu-Aran United FC, handled by coach Ṣeun Olanrewaju, smile to the bank with a cash prize of ₦100,000.
An elated Barrister Abiola also promised the three teams, an addition ₦50,000 each.
This is in addition to individual awards like the highest goal scorer and the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
