He Noted That the Competition, Started in 2018, Has Produced Players Now in Europe, Sunshine Stars, and Clubs in Ghana and South Africa

Gbenga Omole, a former Ondo State lawmaker, has urged the federal and state governments to invest more in grassroots football, saying it is key to reviving Nigeria's football fortunes. Speaking at the final of the eighth Akogun U-20 Annual Football Competition in Oka Akoko, Omole, who organized the event, said nurturing young talent would expand the player pool for clubs and national teams. He noted that the competition, started in 2018, has produced players now in Europe, Sunshine Stars, and clubs in Ghana and South Africa.

This year, about 10 prospects were identified, with four or five set to join an academy in Abuja via a partnership with Inspiration Academy. Omole cited Finidi George, Joseph Yobo, and Sunday Oliseh as products of grassroots football. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Gani Mohammed, praised the event and announced plans for a world-class stadium in Akure and other facilities.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Aloy Agu also lauded the competition's quality. Ore-Ofe FC won the title and N500,000, with Owase FC and Dogo FC taking N300,000 and N200,000 as runners-up. "Identifying and nurturing promising players at a young age would provide a wider pool of talents for professional clubs and the national teams and will reduce the risk of losing talented footballers who lack the opportunity to develop their abilities."