Popular Nigerian sporting heavyweights have stormed Ogun State to guide the next generation at the inaugural Seven-Day Sports Camp. The camp, a collaborative programme by the Wamufat Youth Community Development Foundation (WYCDF) and the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), started today at the Agroterra Sports Complex, Joga-Orile.
The icons headlining the esteem list of mentors include:
Segun Odegbami: Legendary “Mathematical” winger, 1980 AFCON winner, and former Green Eagles captain.
Mary Onyali-Omagbemi: Five-time Olympian and three-time Olympic medalist.
Falilat Ogunkoya: Olympic medalist and African record holder in the 400m.
Mutiu Adepoju: Former Super Eagles midfield sensation renowned for his tenacity and international experience.
Felix Owolabi: Former Green Eagles winger, Olympian, and holder of a doctorate in Physical Education.
Tajudeen Disu: Former national team player and Abiola Babes star who leveraged sports for educational advancement.
Hon. Yusuff Alli: Former Olympic long jumper and current CEO of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board.
The legendary group will offer mentorship and quality training to more than 400 student-athletes drawn from the 6 South-Western states: Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ondo.
These athletes will be supported by over 150 participating Game Masters from the region.
The Chief Promoter of the Sports Clinic and President of WYCDF, Alhaja Fatimoh Wealth, hailed participants of the initiative and broke down the camp’s vision.
According to her, promoting sports development across the country has always been WYCDF’s mission; therefore, the talent in every Nigerian youth must continue to be maximized.
“We are thrilled to launch this initiative and promise all the children an incredibly exciting and enriching experience.
Beyond the fun and learning this week, WYCDF remains resolutely committed to its mission: promoting sports development across Nigeria and diligently harnessing the abundant talent within our youth for national and international glory,” she said.
It was a lively camp as young athletes showed up to learn from sport icons who put the country’s name on the map.
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Some of the participants had their say at the camp:
“Seeing legends like Mary Onyali, Falilat Ogunkoya, and Hon. Yusuff Alli here is incredible. My dream is to stand on that Olympic podium one day, and this camp is where I start building that path,” Gbolahan Adeniyi (13, Athletics) said.
“I want to learn everything from legends like Mr. Adepoju and Chief Odegbami. I will practice every single day. My goal is clear: to wear the green and white of Nigeria,” Quyum Okikiola (10, Football) shared.
“I aim to master the spin and speed of the game. Learning from champions here will take my skills higher,” Temilade Akinjobi (12, Table Tennis) chipped in.
“I feel fast just being here near the track. With these great athletes guiding us, I know I can learn to run even faster and smarter,” Bisola Adeyemi (11, Athletics) added.
The 7-day camp initiative was organized to empower young Nigerians via competitive sports activities, quality coaching and wellness education.
Participants will partake in daily specialized training sessions in athletics, football, table tennis, and other sports.
Other activities to be expected include inspirational sessions, leadership, anti-doping awareness, health education, protection protocols, development workshops, and educational modules on modern sports techniques.
NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph, hailed the WYCDF for the programme, stressing that it is in total alignment with the Federation’s strategic goals.
“We deeply appreciate WYCDF for this laudable programme, which perfectly supports our IMPACTS agenda focused on grassroots development,” Joseph said. “Clinics and camps like this are essential for teaching foundational techniques and nurturing well-rounded individuals through sports like athletics, basketball, football, and table tennis,” he added.
The WYCDF/NSSF Sports Camp is a commendable investment in Nigeria’s sporting future. It will not just help to catch talented Nigerians at a very early age; it also recognizes the impact our most celebrated athletes can have on tomorrow’s champions.
Activities will continue throughout the week at the Agroterra Sports Complex.
