Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun, the distinguished member representing Saki West, Saki East, and Atisbo Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, is set to host the inaugural Ileya Football Tournament 2025, a large scale sporting event geared toward fostering unity, nurturing local talent, and strengthening communal ties across the region.
Slated to commence on April 25, 2025, at the OYSADA Sports Complex in Saki, the tournament will bring together 20 grassroots football teams drawn from the three local government areas in a vibrant celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir (Ileya) season. The opening match promises high drama, as Golden Talents FC (Saki West) squares off against Ago-Are United FC (Atisbo) in what is expected to be an electrifying kickoff.
Speaking on the initiative, Hon. Tajudeen reiterated his longstanding dedication to inclusive governance and grassroots development, highlighting sports as a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and peacebuilding.
“This tournament is more than just football,” Hon. Were remarked. “It is a tribute to the resilience and talent of our youth. By creating this platform, we are offering them an opportunity to shine, to unite, and to dream bigger.”
In preparation for the tournament, organizers have conducted a group-stage draw that sees the 20 teams divided into four competitive groups, each representing a diverse mix of communities:
GROUP A
1. Golden Talents FC
2. Ago-Are United FC
3. Intelligent FC
4. Saki East Harmony FC
5. Sky Rocket FC (Owotoro)
GROUP B
1. Shining Stars FC
2. Molad FA (Tede)
3. J.T.S FC
4. Saki East Pillar FC
5. Atisbo United FC
GROUP C
1. Sango United FC
2. Saki East United FC
3. Okere Elfi United FC
4. White Eleven FA
5. Accurate FC
GROUP D
1. Igboro United FC
2. Saki East Base FC
3. Pride FC
4. Irewole Rangers FC
5. Asabari Besinlona FC
Each group promises intense matchups and a platform for scouting raw talent, as teams battle for glory and the championship title. Local pride and community support are expected to be at an all-time high as fans rally behind their respective sides.
Hon. Kareem’s sponsorship of the tournament aligns with his broader legislative and developmental agenda, which prioritizes youth advancement, sports infrastructure, and cultural integration. Over the years, his constituency projects have spanned across education, entrepreneurship, health, and now, sports, a field he believes can shape futures and build character.
As anticipation builds across the communities, the tournament is being lauded as not just a sporting event but a transformative initiative that offers hope and opportunity to hundreds of young players.
Coverage of the Ileya Football Tournament 2025 will be comprehensive, with SakiSportsUpdates delivering exclusive match reports, player interviews, behind-the-scenes features, and live coverage throughout the tournament’s duration.
