Former national team captain, Segun Odegbami, has described the maiden South West Games as a groundbreaking initiative that will foster talent development, youth empowerment, and regional unity through sports.
 
Speaking at the Abeokuta Sports Club while receiving the president of the Organising Committee, Dr. Lanre Alfred and his team, yesterday, Odegbami commended the vision behind the Games, emphasising its potential to revive grassroots sports and strengthen the sporting culture across the South-West region.
 
“The South West Games 2025 is a visionary project that will not only harness the immense sporting potential within the region but also create opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talents on a grand stage. I commend the organizers for their dedication to this historic event, and I fully support its success,” Odegbami stated.
 
The South West Games 2025, which will hold later this month, will feature 1,200 athletes and 120 officials from all six South West states. According to the organisers, a key highlight of the Games is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BATSWAG), a flagship sub-tournament dedicated to nurturing young talents under the age of 18.

Describing the event as revolutionary, Odegbami noted that beyond the excitement of the Games, it serves as a strategic platform to highlight the rich cultural and economic potential of the region.
 
“The initiative is a game-changer. Many of the world’s greatest athletes started their journeys at competitions like this. With the right support and exposure, the South West Games can produce the next generation of sports icons,” he said. Odegbami’s endorsement adds to the growing list of prominent figures backing the games including Dele Momodu, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, and Amaju Pinnick.