For many years, the football pitch at the Ondo State Football Agency suffered from neglect and abandonment. Once a facility that should have served as a breeding ground for talent and excellence gradually became an eyesore, reflecting years of inadequate attention and poor maintenance.
The deterioration of the playing surface affected the quality of training, player development, and the overall image of football administration in the state.
Today, however, the story has changed.
Under the visionary leadership of the Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency, Mr. Divine Ogbonnaya, the ODSFA pitch has undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once an abandoned facility has now become a lush, well-nurtured natural grass playing surface, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to restoring the pride of football in Ondo State.
The restoration of this pitch is more than just an aesthetic achievement.
It is a strategic investment in the future of football. A well-maintained natural grass pitch provides a safer playing environment, reduces the risk of injuries, enhances ball movement, improves tactical training sessions, and prepares players for competitions played on similar surfaces across the country.
It also boosts the confidence of players and coaches while creating an atmosphere befitting a professional football institution.
For the Agency’s teams Sunshine Stars FC, Sunshine Queens FC, Sunshine Stars U-19, and other developmental programmes the availability of a quality natural grass pitch is invaluable. It ensures consistent, high-quality training, proper player conditioning, and better preparation for domestic and national competitions.
This development will undoubtedly contribute to improved performances and sustained football excellence in Ondo State.
This achievement is a reflection of the purposeful leadership of Mr. Divine Ogbonnaya, whose administration continues to prioritize infrastructure, player welfare, youth development, and the revival of football at every level.
His unwavering commitment has brought renewed hope to stakeholders and reaffirmed that football development begins with providing the right environment.
The Ondo State Football Agency also expresses profound appreciation to the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, whose policies and unwavering support for sports development have created the enabling environment for these transformations to take place.
The Governor’s commitment to youth empowerment, infrastructure renewal, and the repositioning of sports continues to inspire confidence and progress across the sector.
The rejuvenated ODSFA pitch stands today as a symbol of purposeful leadership, accountability, and a renewed commitment to excellence. It sends a strong message that with vision, dedication, and the right leadership, abandoned facilities can once again become centres of excellence and an avenue for Ondo state youths to thrive through football.
The future of football in Ondo State is brighter than ever, and this is only the beginning.
Michael Akintunde
Media Manager
Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA)
17-07-2026