The 2022 Ajara Humanitarian Foundation U17 Football Competition started on Saturday in Osogbo with the opening encounter between Osogbo Grammar School and Ataoja School of Science.
The competition, organized to discover budding talents in Osun State was packaged by the American-based Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr. Olanrewaju Jimoh.
The opening match, which held at the Osogbo Grammar School Football Pitch on Saturday, November 4 saw a mesmerizing display by students of Osogbo Grammar School and their Colleagues from Ataoja School of Science who dazzled the spectators with outstanding performances that confirmed that Osun is blessed with fantastic soccer stars.
At the end of the match, Osogbo Grammar School proved their superiority over Ataoja School of Science by defeating them by two goals to nil. The goals were scored in each half by Olatinwo Joshua and Oyewo Joshua as Osogbo Grammar School progresses to the next round.
Speaking after the match, father of the Founder, Dr. Adebayo Jimoh who.performed the ceremonial kick-off commended the display of the two schools, adding that the best players after the competition will be nurtured to stardom.
“I am happy with what I saw today and it’s a testimony that we have future Okochas, Kanus, Ademola Adesina in our state. The purpose of the tournament is to catch them.young and I wamy to assure you that the best players after the competition will be supported to get the higher stages of football.”
Dr. Jimoh also said the Foundation would not stop here but would continue to support Osun people through other humanitarian assistance like empowerment programmes, skill acquisition trainings, cash support, donation of materials to the widow, youth among others.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the competition include Imma Abdul Azeez Samonigongo, Osun Football Head Coach Kehinde Johnson, Coach Yekeen Ayodeji who represented Nigeria Coaches Association, Chairman, Osun State Grassroots Coaches Adeleke Rasheed, National U20 Goalkeeper Coach Baruwa Olatunji, Tunde Shamsudeen, School Principals and many more