Oyo FA, Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation Forge Partnership to Nurture Football Talents
By: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)
The Oyo State Football Association (OYSFA) under the able leadership, His Royal Majesty, Alakinleye of Akinleye, Oba James Oluyemi Odeniran has expressed its readiness to establish a meaningful and sustainable partnership with the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation towards discovering, nurturing and developing young football talents across the state.
The proposed partnership was contained in a letter dated August 17, 2026, signed by the Secretary of the Oyo State Football Association, Taiwo Adesola Sunday, on behalf of the Association and addressed to the Founder/Chairman of the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation in Ibadan, Temitope Obideyi.
According to the Oyo FA, the collaboration is aimed at strengthening grassroots football development while creating more opportunities for talented young players in different parts of Oyo State to pursue their football dreams.
The Association, as the body responsible for the administration and development of football in the state, noted that strategic partnerships are crucial to discovering talents, supporting grassroots football, promoting youth development and creating pathways for young players to progress in the sport.
Oyo FA also acknowledged the commitment of the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation to sports and youth development, stressing that a collaboration between both organisations could provide a stronger platform for identifying and nurturing promising footballers.
The proposed partnership is expected to focus on developmental programmes capable of combining football with education and the promotion of positive values among young people.
The initiative is coming at a time when grassroots football development remains critical to the future of Nigerian football, with many talented players requiring structured opportunities, proper coaching, competitions and mentorship to fulfil their potential.
The Oyo FA expressed optimism that working with the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation would contribute significantly to building a sustainable football development structure in the state.
The partnership, if fully implemented, could therefore become another important step towards strengthening the football talent pipeline in Oyo State and producing players capable of progressing from grassroots football to professional and national-team levels.
The state Football Governing Body further appreciated Obideyi for its continued commitment to sports and youth development and expressed its best sporting regards to its leadership.
