Senator Sadiq Umar has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots sports development with the successful kickoff of the 3SU Ramadan Cup in Akerebiata, Ilorin, an initiative designed to empower young football talents and strengthen community engagement during the holy month of Ramadan.
The colourful opening ceremony yesterday, Sunday 8, 2026, also witnessed the official commissioning of the newly upgraded Akerebiata Wembley, a popular community football ground that has now been improved with modern goalposts, nets and properly installed corner flags to enhance the quality of matches played at the venue.
Speaking at the event, Senator Umar explained that his involvement in grassroots sports is part of a broader mission to create opportunities for young people, nurture hidden talents and use sports as a tool for social development.
According to him, many of Nigeria’s greatest football stars began their journeys on community pitches similar to the Akerebiata Wembley, stressing that improving such facilities will encourage discipline, teamwork and healthy competition among youths.
“This competition is more than just football,” the Senator said. “It is about giving our young people a platform to express themselves, discover their talents and stay positively engaged, especially during Ramadan when we reflect on community values and unity.”
The Senator noted that grassroots competitions like the 3SU Ramadan Cup help identify promising players who could eventually progress to professional football, while also strengthening bonds among residents of the community.
He further emphasised that investing in youth sports remains one of the most effective ways of tackling social challenges, adding that structured competitions can help steer young people away from crime and other negative influences.
The upgraded Akerebiata Wembley was widely applauded by residents, players and community leaders who described the intervention as a timely boost for football development in the area. The improved facility would attract more sporting activities and provide a better environment for nurturing young athletes.
The 12 teams participating in the 3SU Ramadan Cup were presented with complete set of jerseys before the opening match. Oke-Oyi United defeated Flash Bombers by a lone goal in the opening match of the competition.
The whole process was supervised and coordinated by the Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya. The competition is being organised by Morrow International Football Promotion, under its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Saka Bola Morrow.
Top on the list of dignitaries that graced the colourful opening ceremony are politicians, including the 4th Republic House of Assembly member, Hon. Alhassan Bagudu, Football Council Chairmen of all the 16 Local Government Areas, traditional rulers, who included the Alangua of Ibagun, Alhaji Saka AbdulMalik and Engr. Awodi Mohammed Ayodele, President Balogun Gambari wards Development Association, Ilorin.
The final has been scheduled for March 18th, 2026, at the same venue.
