The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Sports Development to Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, Vincent Akinbami, has said that the state was laying a foundation to soon dominate sports in Nigeria.
Akinbami stated this on Sunday, in Ilorin, after his state’s 2-0 win over Ebonyi, in the male football event to set up the finals against Kwara, at the ongoing National Youth Games (NYG).
According to him, given the passion Gov. Oyetola has for sports development, as well as his investments in the sector, Osun is on the right track to dominate sports in Nigeria.
The governor is a sports-loving person and has done a lot through the motivation of the coaches and athletes so that they can excel. “He is ready and has made funds available for sports development in the state,” he said.
Speaking further, Akinbami said in his quest for excellence, Oyetola was laying a solid foundation that will outlive the present generation.
“We have laid a foundation, His Excellency has assembled an excellent team, comprising the Commissioner of Sports Yemi Lawal, SA Sports Aremo Adelabu, and my humble self,” he added.
On his expectations for Team Osun at the 6th National Youth Games, he said he was not very impressed.
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“For me, we are 7th on the table right now, I am not too impressed. We want to upset Delta State, they don’t have the birthright.
“We will go to all nooks and crannies to discover the best talents. Come to the next NYG, we will be the best,” he boasted.
He expressed optimism that they would settle for nothing less than the soccer gold, adding, “we are so happy. It is a result of our preparations. When it comes to youth soccer, Osun State has always done well.
“We are here to pick the gold. If you recall at the eliminations, we edged out defending champions Lagos. We are optimistic of the gold,” Akinbami said.
