Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, has assured football fans across the country of the state’s readiness to host the Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Rwanda, slated for September 27, 2025 at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The commissioner gave this assurance on Monday, during a press briefing at the Oyo State Governor’s Briefing Room.
According to her, the state government will leave no stone unturned to make the match memorable for the players, match officials, NFF officials, CAF officials, fans as well as residents of the state.
She said, “First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge and commend the visionary leadership of our Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, whose unwavering commitment to the growth of sports, youth development, and infrastructure renewal has made this moment possible.
“It is because of his support and investment in facilities like the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, that Oyo State today stands ready to welcome Nigeria, Rwanda, and the world to this global sporting stage.
“I also want to extend my gratitude to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for giving us the opportunity and ranking Oyo State the best to host this historical match.
“On 27th September, 2025, the Lekan Salami Sports Complex will not only be hosting a football match, but it will also be hosting history.
“With a projected audience of over 20,000 passionate fans filling the stadium, and millions more following across broadcast and digital platforms, Ibadan will once again shine as a center of culture, unity, and sporting excellence.”
She also assured that adequate security would be provided before, during and after the match.
“Oyo State is one of the safest states in the country. This is one of the reasons we have been given the right to host this match and we want to assure everyone that adequate security will be provided before, during and after the match,” the commissioner said.
While announcing that there would not be any gate fee for the match, the Commissioner said, “This decision reflects the commitment of His Excellency to ensure inclusiveness and to give every football-loving Nigerian, especially our people in Oyo State, the opportunity to be part of this global event without barriers.
“Therefore, I call on the good people of Oyo State, our fathers, mothers, youths, students, workers, traders, and football enthusiasts to come out in their numbers. Let us unite, let us fill the stadium to capacity, and let us cheer the Nigeria Under-20 female team to victory.
“Let the world see the strength, passion, and hospitality of Oyo State reflected in the energy of our people.
“This match is more than 90 minutes of football. It is an opportunity to showcase our pride, our culture, and our identity as a people. It is a celebration of the unity of Nigeria and the resilience of our youth, and Oyo State is proud to host it.”
The commissioner urged residents of the state to troop out in large numbers to watch the match, saying one of the considerations for hosting international matches is turnout of fans.
She said, “We want to be considered for the hosting of more international matches at Lekan Salami Stadium. So, let our people come out en masse and watch this match.”
The Commissioner, who noted that hosting this match would be a source of inspiration for the newly inaugurated Pacesetter Queens, the state-owned female football club, said, “We look forward to welcoming the Super Falconets, the Amavubi of Rwanda, and thousands of fans into our great city for what promises to be a historic and unforgettable occasion.”
The Commissioner was accompanied by the Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Political Matters, Honourable Adeyemo Adedeji; Director of Sports, Mrs Bisi Adegoke; Director Administrative and Supplies, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Idowu Falade; and Oba James Odeniran, the Alakinyele of Akinyele, who is also the Chairman of Oyo State Football Association.
