The stage is set for the 4th Edition of the Ajara Humanitarian U-17 Football Championship to kickoff following the successful completion of the screening exercise and tournament draws held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Osogbo Grammar School, Osogbo.
This year’s edition recorded massive participation, with 31 registered teams comprising both secondary schools and grassroots football academies/clubs, a significant expansion of the championship’s scope.
In the official draws, the opening match will see CAC Araromi Osogbo will lock horns with Tope Trend Scho on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The second match of the day will see Sharp Strikers FC of Ifon face YSF Warriors FC of Osogbo between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
The full roster includes:
School Teams: CAC Araromi, Top-Trend, Sodiq Adeleke, Ife-Olu Grammar, An-Nur, Nacomyo, Prime College, Osogbo Grammar School, Rex-Varsity, Islaudeen Grammar School, Ede Muslim School, Olutimehin Grammar School, St. Charles Grammar School, Salvation Army, Progress Comp. High.
Grassroots Teams: Sharp Striker FC, YSF FC, Good Lucky, Oloore FC, Deen Babies, Walui FC, Golden Era, Surprise FC, Awolu FC, FC Diamond, Sharp Striker FA, TSO FC, Young Benvious, Emirate FC, Golden Boys, Excol FC.
Official draws results and groupings will be released before kickoff on Sunday.
Speaking during the screening, Coach Babatunde Odubola ‘Ziko’, Director of Sports at Ilaji Sports Reserve, Ibadan and member of the organizing committee, commended the teams for their cooperation:
“We were able to carry out the exercise smoothly and at the right time. We believe the right decisions were made in the selection of players. This year’s edition promises to be fantastic, especially with grassroots football teams now in the frame.”
Also addressing participants, Coach Adeleke Abdulrasheed, leader of grassroots teams in Osun State and a member of the technical screening committee, expressed satisfaction with the process:
“The screening was well-conducted. I urge school and grassroots teams, along with their coaches, to uphold discipline so that the competition achieves its essence and the good name of the organizers is maintained.”
With the draws finalized and fixtures confirmed, excitement is building for what promises to be a thrilling tournament. The Ajara Humanitarian U-17 Football Championship, organized by the Ajara Humanitarian Foundation (AHF) with the support of Ilaji Football Academy, continues to serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing young football talents across Osun State and beyond.
