By Feyisetan Hamzat
Ibadan
Preparations for the EIPFA Statewide Secondary School Tournament advanced further on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, with a strategic meeting held at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, to fine-tune logistics and operational arrangements for the competition.
The session, which commenced at 10:00 a.m. at the EIPFA Office, brought together members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), zonal leaders, gamemasters, and other officials responsible for ensuring a smooth tournament.
Welcoming the participants, LOC Chairman Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan reiterated that the tournament’s core objectives are youth development, grassroots talent discovery, and the creation of a structured competitive platform for secondary school students across all zones. He emphasised that merit, discipline, and long-term mentorship would be prioritised over short-term victories.
Logistics and Preparations
In a key update, members were informed that match balls had been distributed to the Scouting Team, with allocations for each zone to maintain uniformity and fairness in gameplay. The LOC Secretary also briefed participants on approved tokens for participating schools and zones, aimed at easing logistical and preparatory challenges ahead of the tournament.
Key Contributions from Members
During deliberations:
Mr. Akinosun Sunday advised scouts to maintain strict professionalism, cautioning against unnecessary familiarity with schools to safeguard objectivity in talent selection.
Mr. Abideen Ajala (Kajola Zone) raised concerns about high transportation costs and requested additional support to ensure all schools could participate smoothly.
Ms. Feyisetan Hamzat, a new member of the committee, sought clarification on whether the tournament had received formal approval from government authorities. In response, Hon. Olaniyan confirmed that EIPFA is collaborating with the Ministries of Youth & Sports and Education, providing institutional support and legitimacy for the competition.
Moving Forward
Committee members were encouraged to strengthen coordination within their respective zones to ensure seamless execution. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to professionalism, fairness, and youth-centered talent development.
Mr. Temitope Ademola Obideyi, President of EIPFA, who joined the meeting from the USA via Zoom, appreciated everyone for believing in the project and conducting themselves with integrity and transparency.
With preparations underway, the EIPFA Statewide Secondary School Tournament is shaping up as a strategic initiative to identify potential, nurture discipline, and create pathways for young footballers across Oyo State.
