••• Renews Commitment to Grassroots Development, Youth opportunities through Sports
Residents and football enthusiasts in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin are set to witness an exciting grassroots football fiesta as sports promoter, Saka Bola Morrow prepares to organise the Ramadan Cup competition in the community.
The tournament, scheduled to hold during the holy month of Ramadan, is being sponsored by Senator Sadiq Umar, whose continued commitment to grassroots sports development has drawn commendation from residents and youth groups in the area.
The competition is expected to kick off on Sunday March 8, 2026, with 12 teams registered to fight for collective and individual honours.
Speaking ahead of the competition, the organiser, Saka Bola Morrow, said the Ramadan Cup is designed to engage young footballers in Akerebiata and its neighbouring communities in productive sporting activities during the fasting period.
According to him, the competition will feature 12 teams within the community and is expected to attract large crowds of football lovers.
All the 12 registered teams, according to him, will be fully kitted by the sponsor, Senator Sadiq Umar, who has also pledged numerous prizes during the final match.
Beyond sponsoring the tournament, Senator Umar has also supported the upgrading of the popular Akerebiata Wembley football field. The playing ground has been graded to improve its surface, while new goal nets and corner flags have also been provided to give the pitch a more standard outlook for competitive matches.
The Ramadan Cup competition will not only promote football development at the grassroots, but also foster unity and healthy rivalry among young players in the community.
The Ramadan Cup competition will not only promote football development at the grassroots, but also foster unity and healthy rivalry among young players in the community.
The tournament will equally serve as a platform for talented players to showcase their abilities and possibly attract the attention of scouts and football administrators.
The initiatives will help keep youths away from social vices by channeling their energy into meaningful sporting activities, especially during festive and religious periods.
The 12 teams that have registered to participate in the competition, termed ‘celebration of unity, youth empowerment’ are Òkè Oyi United, Flash Bombers, New Stars FA and King FA, all in Gtoup A.
In Group B are United Sango FC, Happiness FC, A3 FA and Gambari United. Ilorin East YSFON Legends tops Group C, which also has Bright Stars FA, Kingshood FA and Asukuty FA.
The sponsor, Senator Sadiq Umar is expected to grace the opening ceremony on Sunday, where he will also reel out other grassroots sports development plans.
The final holds at the same venue, on March 18,2026.
