SJ Odi-Olowo Chairman’s Cup: National Team Call-Ups Excite LCDA Chairman Seyi Jakande

SJ Odi-Olowo Chairman’s Cup: National Team Call-Ups Excite LCDA Chairman Seyi Jakande

Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr Seyi Jakande, has expressed delight at the progress of players who have emerged from the SJ Odi-Olowo Chairman’s Cup and gone on to receive national team call-ups.

Jakande spoke during the grand finale of the sixth edition of the grassroots football competition, which is sponsored by the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA through financial and logistical support.

The LCDA Chairman said the invitation of players from the competition to national team camps represents a major reward for the sustained investment in grassroots football and youth development.

“I am very delighted and happy at the advancement of those key players from this competition, but it is not a surprise to me,” Jakande said.

He explained that the competition has consistently provided a platform for young footballers to develop their talents and attract opportunities beyond their immediate communities.

According to him, between five and seven players who have participated in the competition have progressed to international opportunities, with some featuring in competitions outside Nigeria.

Jakande attributed the development to the environment created through the consistent organisation of the Chairman’s Cup and other grassroots sporting activities supported by the LCDA.

“I believe that the atmosphere that we have created will continue to inspire most of the players in this competition. On the long run, it brings out skill and quality footballers that can sustain and represent the country in the future,” he said.

Six Editions And Counting

Reflecting on the journey of the competition, Jakande said the LCDA was grateful for the opportunity to sustain the grassroots sports programme and build on the work of previous administrations.

He noted that the sixth edition was launched immediately after the conclusion of the fifth edition, ensuring continuity of the programme.

“We are thankful to God that we inherited the massive sports programme that covers the whole of Lagos State and the extension of Nigeria, and we have been able to sustain it,” he said.

“Through the glory of God, we are witnessing the final today.”

Jakande Promises More Improvements

Looking ahead to the seventh edition, the LCDA Chairman said the organisers would continue to improve the competition by building on the lessons and successes recorded over the previous six editions.

He explained that every edition has brought improvements, new additions and corrections aimed at making the tournament better.

“If we look at all of the six seasons, we will have seen that it has always been one improvement, an addition and correction of the little things that we have noticed,” Jakande said.

He added that the seventh edition is expected to bring further improvements, including better facilities and technology.

The Chairman reaffirmed the commitment of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA to grassroots sports development, stressing that the ultimate objective is to use the competition as a pathway for discovering, developing and producing players capable of representing Nigeria at the highest level.