The Ondo State Government has announced the commencement of the Governor’s U-17 Football Championship, also known as the ODATIWA Governor’s Cup, as part of efforts to empower young people through sports and promote unity across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking during a press briefing in Akure, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Segun Omoyofunmi, described the competition as “a movement of hope, unity, and opportunity” that aligns with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s EASE Agenda for youth empowerment.

According to the Commissioner, the championship aims to discover and nurture young football talents from grassroots communities while instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship among participants.

“This initiative creates a structured pathway for discovering and grooming football talents from our communities. It’s more than a game—it’s an avenue for unity and moral reawakening among our youths,” Omoyofunmi stated.

He informed that a total of 36 teams, representing the 18 local government areas of the state (two per LGA), will participate in the tournament.
The format includes:

Group Stage: 9 groups of 4 teams each, playing in a round-robin format.

Knockout Stage: 16 teams — the 9 group winners and 7 best runners-up.

Progression: Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Third Place Playoff, and Final.


A total of 79 matches will be played throughout the tournament.

Only players aged 17 and below (born on or after January 1, 2008) are eligible to participate. Each team will register 20 players and 3 officials, with valid identification and age verification. All matches will follow FIFA’s Laws of the Game, and discipline rules on cards, substitutions, and conduct will be strictly enforced.

Committees and Coordination

The competition will be coordinated by a Main Organizing Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, alongside the Ondo State Football Agency, SWAN, the Referees Association, ALGON, and other key stakeholders.

Sub-committees for Technical, Medical, Security/Protocol, and Media/Publicity have also been established to ensure smooth operations.

Registration and draws will take place within the first two weeks, followed by the opening ceremony and kickoff. The group stage is scheduled for Weeks 3–5, while the knockout stages will hold between Weeks 6 and 7. The final and closing ceremony will feature trophy presentations, live performances, and award ceremonies.

Prizes and Awards

The Commissioner disclosed that Winners will receive trophies, medals, and cash prizes, while awards will also be presented for: Golden Boot (Top Scorer), Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper), Most Valuable Player (MVP), Fair Play Award, and Best Coach Award.

Omoyofunmi emphasized that the ODATIWA Cup goes beyond sports, describing it as “a celebration of unity and cultural identity.”

“Sports have the power to bring people together irrespective of background, tribe, or belief. As our youths play side by side, they remind us that we are one Ondo family united by purpose and passion,” he said.

He disclosed that the opening ceremony will feature a parade, cultural displays, traditional drumming, and the lighting of the tournament flame, to be declared open by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who will perform the ceremonial kickoff.

The Commissioner called on young footballers across the 18 LGAs to register at their local government secretariats, urging them to play with integrity and passion.

“This is your time. Play with discipline and let this tournament be a stepping stone to your dreams. The next Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman could emerge from right here in Ondo State,” he charged.

Omoyofunmi also appreciated the support of Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State Football Agency, SWAN, the Referees Association, and Local Government Chairmen for their commitment to youth development.

“The ODATIWA Governor’s Cup is not just a competition—it is a legacy project that will outlive this administration,” he concluded.