Oyo government backs Babates Five-A-Side football tourney

Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Seun Fakorede, has affirmed the backing of the state’s government for the Babates Five-A-Side Football Competition.

The commissioner told the organiser of the event, Teslim Usman, who called on him at the weekend, that Seyi Makinde’s administration is open to ideas and ventures aimed at empowering the youths.          

Usman said the football event, tagged Babates Five-A-Side tournament, is a partnership with Oyo State Ministry of Youths and Sports, adding, “we are yet to fully embrace five-a-side football in Nigeria, we only play the conventional 11-a-side and as a pioneer member of the national five-a-side team and only Nigerian to have represented the country in two major international five-a-side competitions, the thinking is we should give back to the community that produced us.” 

64 teams are expected to participate in the tournament, which is open to teams from across the country.

The competition’s coordinator, Ayo Fadele, said the kickoff date would be announced soon, adding, “The winner of this competition will get a worthwhile prize.

“Considering the large number of participants and the enormous nature of the event, we are working to make sure every participating team has a memorable experience.”
  
Other members of the organizing committee are Ayodele Demola, Adigun Yusuf, Lawal Tomilayo, Lawal Akeem, Fashanu Taofeek, Alhaja Mojisola Usman and Dr. Isiaka Abiodun Salami of the University of Ibadan.