Governor ‘Seyi Makinde asserted on Saturday that his administration has successfully developed Oyo State’s sports economy through strategic policies and programs implemented over the last six years.
The Governor made this declaration while officially opening the 81st Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), held at the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Infrastructural Boost Attracting Big Events
Governor Makinde reiterated his government’s commitment to sustained sports development, emphasizing that the focus on rebuilding sports infrastructure and establishing the right organizational structures is now attracting significant national and international sporting events to the state.
The NFF General Assembly coincided with the U-20 Women Qualifiers Match between Nigeria and Rwanda, scheduled to be played at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, which was recently remodeled by the Makinde-led government.
Makinde confidently stated that Ibadan now possesses the capacity to host major sporting events, including Super Eagles matches.
He appealed directly to the NFF to inspect the state’s sporting facilities, assuring them of his government’s commitment to allocate the necessary resources to ensure the facilities meet the required standards for such high-profile events.
“We are happy that today you brought your Annual General Assembly to Oyo State. Ibadan wants to have the opportunity to host big events, Super Eagles. So, let them check out our facilities, and whatever we need to do, I give you the promise that we will put the necessary resources in there,” the Governor said, thanking the NFF for its support.
The Governor lauded the NFF for the ongoing reforms in national football and the Nigeria Premier Football League, noting that these changes are leading to fairer match results.
However, he stressed that a significant amount of work remains, particularly in the area of funding.
Makinde challenged the federation to find ways to attract big businesses to support local football, questioning why Nigerians still primarily follow international leagues like the English Premier League and La Liga instead of the domestic league.
Furthermore, looking ahead to the NFF’s next elective congress, the Governor praised the federation for the seamless transition of power from the previous administration to the current one.
He then reiterated his broader political advocacy for a five or six-year single term in office, suggesting the NFF might also benefit from considering such a constitutional review.
In his address, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau profusely thanked Governor Makinde for his unwavering support for football and sports in Oyo State, highlighting the revival of the Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC) and the remodeling of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex.
Gusau confirmed that the Governor had graciously approved and supported both the NFF Assembly and the hosting of the FIFA Women U20 Qualifiers.
Gusau assured the Governor and the people of Oyo State that their desire to host the Super Eagles would soon be realized, confirming that discussions were underway to make the return of the national team to Ibadan a “reality very soon.”
Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick was also present and called for continued support for the federation and optimism regarding the Super Eagles’ qualification for the next World Cup.
The Governor’s entourage included key members of the state executive council, reinforcing the government’s collective commitment to the sports agenda. The event was held on Saturday, September 27, 2025.