Otan Ayegbaju United has emerged winner of the football tournament organised by the Segun Aina Foundation (SAF) to commemorate its 30th anniversary of contributions to education, innovation, and youth empowerment.
The grand finale took place on Saturday, November 15, at Nicolas Sports Field in Otan-Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State.
Speaking with Amiloaded, a member of the Segun Aina Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Kehinde Adebayo Aderonmu, noted that the programme recorded a successful turnout and demonstrated the need for more sporting competitions in the area to promote talent discovery.
He stated that the foundation has been involved in community development, youth empowerment, and educational scholarships over the last three decades, adding that several beneficiaries have completed their studies and advanced their careers globally.
Prof Aderonmu encouraged the players to pursue opportunities beyond their locality and urged others to view sports as a platform where all sides can benefit.
He also advised younger participants to take their education seriously as it provides global opportunities.
In his own remarks, the General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, represented by the Assistant Chief Sports Organiser, Mrs. Olusola Ogunwole, described the tournament as an important initiative capable of keeping youths positively engaged.
She expressed satisfaction with its organisation and called on well-meaning Nigerians to support similar programmes. Mrs Ogunwole further advised the players to maintain a good spirit of sportsmanship, regardless of winning or losing.
Also speaking, the coach of Otan Ayegbaju United, Jamiu Adewole, expressed delight over his team’s victory, noting that the win was a result of consistent preparation on and off the pitch over the past month.
He commended the organisers for providing take-home quality jerseys for the players and encouraged the team to remain committed to their development, assuring them that their efforts would yield results in the future.
The final match between Otan Ayegbaju United and The Tiger FC ended 3–1, while Afole United secured third place after defeating Iresi FC with four goals to one.
Otan Ayegbaju United received a cash prize of ₦70,000, The Tiger FC received ₦50,000 as first runner-up, and Afole FC went home with ₦30,000 as the third-place winner.
Dr. Segun Lawrence Aina, OFR, a seasoned banker and fintech expert, founded the Segun Aina Foundation in 1995.
The event was attended by the Eleripa of Eripaland, representatives of the Otan Ayegbaju monarch, and hundreds of spectators.
