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ONDO UNVEILS GOVERNOR’S U-17 FOOTBALL COMPETITION
“…Championship not just a competition but a movement of hope, unity and opportunity – Omoyofunmi”
Ondo State Government has announced the commencement of U-17 Football Competition christened O’DATIWA Governor’s Cup.
Addressing newsmen in Akure the state capital, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Segun Omoyofunmi said the move is to ensure that sports is given a pride of place among the youths, irrespective of location.
In his words, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this press briefing as we formally announce the commencement of the Governor’s U-17 Football Championship, fondly known as the ODATIWA Governor’s Cup”.
“This championship is not just another football competition, it is a movement of hope, unity, and opportunity”.
“It represents His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s visionary commitment to empowering the youth of Ondo State through sports, in alignment with OUR EASE Agenda”.
“Through this initiative, we are creating a structured pathway for discovering and grooming young football talents from our grassroots communities, while also fostering discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of healthy competition among our young people”.
STRUCTURE
The Governor’s Cup will feature 36 teams, representing all 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State with two teams per local government area.
Format
Group Stage: 36 teams divided into 9 groups of 4; each team plays a round-robin.
Knockout Stage: 9 group winners + 7 best runners-up (16 teams).
Quarterfinals → Semifinals → Final.
Fixtures Pathway:
Group Stage – 63 matches
Round of 16 – 8 matches
Quarterfinals – 4 matches
Semifinals – 2 matches
Third-Place Playoff – 1 match
Final – 1 match
Total: 79 matches
Eligibility & Rules
Players must be U-17 (born on or after 1st January 2008).
Each team registers 20 players + 3 officials.
Valid ID cards and age verification required (school/academy records).
Teams to wear official jerseys (home & away kits preferred).
Match Rules
Matches follow FIFA Laws of the Game.
Duration: 90 minutes (45 mins per half) with 15-minutes halftime.
Substitutions: Maximum 5 per game.
Yellow and red card discipline rules will be strictly enforced.
The Commissioner stated that “Fans’ Conduct
Respectful behavior is mandatory while violence, pitch invasion, or discriminatory chants will attract sanctions”.
“Local supporters encouraged to attend, with security guaranteed”.
Organizing Structure:
Main Organizing Committee will provide overall leadership and direction.
Members Include:
Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development
Chairman, Ondo State Football Agency,
SSA to the Governor on Sports,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and
Management and members of Youths and Sports.
Others are ALGON Chairman,
Chairman, Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN),
Chairman of Ondo State Football Referees Association as well as Press Officer of the Ministry
Sub-Committees & Roles:
Technical Committee will be responsible for Grouping, refereeing, and match scheduling. Members Include:
Medical Committee will be responsible for pre-competition screening, injury management and doping control.
Members include:
Security/Protocol Committee will ensure safety of players, fans, and officials.
Members include:
Media and Publicity Committee will provide branding, coverage, live updates, social media. Members Include:
Adetunji Press Officer
Segun Giwa,
Abire Sunday,
Michael Akintunde,
Rahaman Yusuf,
Ife Omoniyi,
Ogunmola Oluwaseun, Joshua
Akindojutimi, Wande
Ayodele , Oluwafemi Daniel
Itiolu Adeyemi Paul
Ogunfeyimi
Timeline
Registration: Week 1
Draw Ceremony: Week 2
Opening Ceremony & Kickoff: Week 2
Group Stage: Weeks 3–5
Round of 16 & Quarterfinals: Week 6
Semifinals: Week 7
Closing Ceremony & Final: Week 7
Prize & Awards
Winner: Trophy + Cash prize + medals.
Runner-up: Cash prize + medals.
Third Place: Cash prize + medals.
Golden Boot: Highest goalscorer.
Golden Glove: Best goalkeeper.
Best Player (MVP).
Fair Play Award: Most disciplined team.
Best Coach Award.
Beyond football, this competition is a celebration of unity and cultural identity.
We believe that sports have the power to bring people together; irrespective of background, tribe, or belief.
As our youths play side by side, representing their local governments with pride, they remind us that we are one Ondo family united by purpose and passion.
Each match will serve as a symbol of peace, discipline, and mutual respect; values our administration continues to uphold.
The opening ceremony promises to be colourful and memorable featuring parade, cultural displays, traditional drumming, and the symbolic lighting of the tournament flame.
His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa will declare the games open and take the ceremonial kickoff to mark the beginning of what we believe will be a historic event.
The closing ceremony will feature trophy and medal presentations, live performances by talented Ondo-born artists, and awards for outstanding players and teams.
I wish to commend His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his unwavering support for youth empowerment and sports development.
His leadership continues to inspire initiatives like this that give meaning and direction to the aspirations of our young people.
I also acknowledge our partners, the Ondo State Football Agency, SWAN, the Referees Association, all Local Government Chairmen and the members of our various committees for their dedication to ensuring this championship is organized to the highest standard.
To the media, we count on your partnership in giving this event the visibility it deserves.
Your coverage will amplify our collective message that Ondo State is committed to nurturing talent, promoting peace, and investing in the future of its youth.
I want to call on our young footballers across the 18 Local government Areas to register at their Local Government Secretariat to be part of this competition.
This is your time. Play with passion, play with discipline, and play with integrity.
Let this tournament be a stepping stone to your dreams.
Remember, today’s community players are tomorrow’s national stars. The next Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman could emerge from right here in Ondo State!
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the O’DATIWA Governor’s Cup is more than a sporting event, it is a legacy project that will outlive this administration.
It will identify, nurture, and empower a generation of young talents who will make Ondo State and Nigeria proud.
On behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, I invite the public, stakeholders, and well-meaning citizens to join us in making this championship a resounding success.
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