The helmsman at the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Oyo State, Dapo Lam-Adesina has stated that the 2013 Oyo State Governors Cup which had commenced four week ago will be the best in the history of the State.

He disclosed this in Ibadan while unveiling the set of branded jerseys and trophies for winners of the competition.

The youthful Commissioner who reiterated Oyo State Government resolve to fast track grassroots sports development in the state explained that his Ministry is partnering with a South African base Soccer Academy who has agreed to give scholarship to two (2) outstanding players for three (3) years to study and play football.

He also hinted that the winning schools will have their science laboratory equipped as part of the prizes for this year’s edition, while thanking the Executive Governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for his continued support to sports development in the state.

Meanwhile, semi finalists have emerged for the tourney after the qauter-final matches played at Olubadan Stadium Ibadan over the weekend where the semifinalist at the 2013 Shell Cup Competition, Government College Ibadan (GCI) was knocked out after losing to Kajola Zone representative, Muslim Grammar School Otu by 2-3.

Muslim Grammar School Otu has now joined ADS Grammar School, Shaki, Asegun Group of Schools Ibadan and Kisi Community High School, Kisi in the last four of the tourney.

Reacting after the match, Lam-Adesina who is an old boy of Government College Ibadan (GCI) urged the boys to take the defeat in good faith and prepare adequately for the next edition as no school will gain undue advantage for any reason.

''Although it is painful to see my school lose out here today, but the school of thought and spirit of sportsmanship which say you lose some and win some is the lesson we must all learn and imbibe in this tourney”.

The final of the tourney has been scheduled to hold on Monday at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba Ibadan in commemoration of this year’s Children Day where Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi is expected to be the special guest of honour.

Meanwhile quarter final action starts on Thursday at the Olubadan Stadium with the semi finals holding at the same venue on Saturday while the final will hold at the Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba Ibadan on Monday 27th May with Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajomobi in attendance.

Olanrewaju Akanbi Agiri
Founding Member, allnigeriasoccer.com
Member, African Sports Journalist Union