Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo, Allied Peoples Movement House of Assembly candidate for the 2027 general elections has congratulated Iwalewa Football Academy on its outstanding emergence as champions of the 2026 Ibadan Football Council League, describing the feat as a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the discipline, dedication and determination of the young footballers.
In a congratulatory message, Salaudeen Kabeer commended the players, coaches, technical crew, management and supporters of the academy for their collective efforts throughout the competition. He noted that winning the league was not only a victory for Iwalewa Football Academy but also an indication of the growing potential of grassroots football development in Oyo State.
Kabeer said the achievement demonstrated what could be accomplished when young talents are given the right environment, guidance and encouragement to develop their abilities. He stressed that grassroots football remains an important avenue for discovering and nurturing future professional footballers capable of representing Oyo State and Nigeria at national and international levels.
He particularly praised the players for their resilience and consistency during the campaign, noting that a championship victory requires more than individual talent. According to him, teamwork, discipline, strategic preparation and commitment to the objectives of the team were essential ingredients behind Iwalewa Football Academy’s successful campaign.
The congratulatory message also extended to the academy’s coaches and administrators, whom Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo credited for providing the technical direction and organisational structure necessary for the players to thrive. He urged them not to rest on the achievement but to use the victory as a springboard for greater accomplishments in subsequent competitions.
Adebayo further encouraged the young champions to remain focused, humble and committed to continuous improvement, stressing that the league title should serve as motivation to pursue higher opportunities in football and education.
He called on relevant stakeholders, football administrators, government institutions, private organisations and community leaders to increase their investment in grassroots sports, particularly youth football, arguing that structured support for emerging talents could help reduce youth idleness while creating pathways to professional careers.
He said the success of Iwalewa Football Academy should inspire other young people across Oyo State to take advantage of available sporting opportunities and demonstrate that talent, when combined with discipline and proper mentorship, can produce outstanding results.
Salaudeen Kabeer wished Iwalewa Football Academy continued success as the champions prepare for new challenges, expressing confidence that the players and their technical team would build on their 2026 league triumph and achieve even greater milestones in the future.
The victory has consequently added another significant chapter to the development of grassroots football in Ibadan, with Iwalewa Football Academy’s triumph highlighting the importance of sustained investment in youth sports and the discovery of football talents from the grassroots.
