By Blitzik sports
Ondo State chapter of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has reaffirmed its commitment to engaging children productively during the long school holiday through football activities leading up to the grand finale of the 2025 Olowo Cup.
Addressing sports journalists in Akure, the State Chairman of YSFON, Mr. Ogunlade Abayomi, revealed that after months of dedicated work and talent identification, the state team is now set to participate in the prestigious 2025 Ramat Cup in Nasarawa State.
He noted that the squad comprises highly talented young footballers drawn from several top-performing secondary schools in Owo, discovered through a robust scouting system during the Olowo Cup.
Special preparations are also in place for Methodist High School, Owo (MHSO), thanks to sponsorship by the school’s Sports Committee, similar to the support it extended during last year’s campaign in Bauchi.
“This year, we are extending our focus to more schools across Owo and Ose Local Government Areas,” Ogunlade said.
During the Olowo Cup, MHSO produced three selected players, while Imade College contributed two. New Church Grammar School and Emure-Ile Grammar School each had one player called up to the team.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of (YSFON), Temitayo Onilude, emphasised that the initiative will help foster unity among secondary schools in Owo, where inter-school sports rivalry has recently lost its healthy competitive spirit.
“There’s a need for better management and encouragement of school sports. The MHSO Sports Committee has set a good example by nurturing talents and promoting sportsmanship,” she noted.
She called on other schools across the state to throw their support behind the YSFON-led initiative, stressing that building future champions begins with meaningful engagement and investment at the grassroots level.