● Football Legend Hails Sporting Fiesta as Crucial to Youth Development and Regional Progress
Former Super Eagles star and Nigerian football legend, Chief Segun Odegbami (MON), has thrown his weight behind the much-anticipated South West Games 2025. The celebrated sports icon described the event as a groundbreaking initiative that will foster talent development, youth empowerment, and regional unity through sports.
Odegbami gave his endorsement yesterday at Abeokuta Sports Club, Abeokuta, Ogun State, while receiving the President of the Organising Committee, Akogun Olanrewaju Alfred and his team. He commended the vision behind the tournament, emphasizing its potential to revive grassroots sports and strengthen the sporting culture across the Southwest region.
“The South West Games 2025 is a visionary project that will not only harness the immense sporting potential within the region but also create opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talents on a grand stage. I commend the organizers for their dedication to this historic event, and I fully support its success,” Odegbami stated.
Set to be held later this month, March 2025, the South West Games 2025 will feature 1,200 athletes and 120 officials from all six South West states, promising an electrifying display of sporting excellence and competition. Odegbami noted that beyond the excitement of the Games, the event serves as a strategic platform to highlight the rich cultural and economic potential of the region.
“Sports is a powerful tool for social and economic transformation. Beyond its ability to unite people, the South West Games will play a significant role in talent discovery, economic stimulation, and the promotion of our cultural heritage. It is an initiative that deserves the full backing of all stakeholders,” he added.
A key highlight of the Games is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BATSWAG), a flagship sub-tournament dedicated to nurturing young talents under the age of 18. This five-day event will see young athletes from the six South West states compete in seven sporting disciplines, positioning the region as a breeding ground for future champions.
Expressing enthusiasm for this initiative, Odegbami described it as a pivotal moment for grassroots sports in Nigeria. “The initiative is a game-changer. Many of the world’s greatest athletes started their journeys at competitions like this. With the right support and exposure, the South West Games can produce the next generation of sports icons,” he affirmed.
A passionate advocate for youth development, Odegbami emphasized the transformative power of sports in shaping lives and national progress. He underscored the importance of investing in sports as a means to curb social vices, instill discipline, and inspire excellence among young Nigerians.
“As someone who has benefitted from the opportunities that sports provide, I understand its profound impact. The South West Games is not just about competition; it is about inspiring thousands of young Nigerians to dream bigger and strive for greatness. It is an initiative that deserves nationwide support,” he stated.
Odegbami’s endorsement adds to the growing list of prominent figures backing the South West Games 2025. Recently, Dele Momodu, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (OON), Aremo Olusegun Osoba (CFR), and Amaju Pinnick also pledged their support, further emphasizing the Games’ importance in shaping Nigeria’s sporting future.
With high expectations and key stakeholders rallying behind the event, preparations for the South West Games 2025 are in full swing. The Organising Committee, led by Dr. Alfred, has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class sporting spectacle.
As momentum builds, Odegbami’s endorsement serves as yet another strong validation of the Games’ potential, solidifying its place as a beacon of hope for grassroots sports, youth empowerment, and regional unity in Nigeria.
