The grand finale of the EIPFA Statewide Secondary School Football Tournament has been officially rescheduled in observance of the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr celebration.
Originally slated for March 19th and 20th, the championship final will now hold on April 9th and 10th at the iconic Lekan Salami Stadium.
According to the Local Organizing Committee, the adjustment became necessary because the previous dates coincide with the Eid festivities, ensuring that all stakeholders can participate fully in both the religious celebration and the tournament finale.
The organizers expressed sincere appreciation to participating schools, players, coaches, scouts, and partners for their understanding and continued support, reaffirming their commitment to delivering a smooth and memorable championship event.
This initiative, aimed at discovering, nurturing, and grooming exceptional young football talents for structured development pathways, has its true grand prize in identifying individuals with the potential to rise to national and international prominence.
To reinforce that vision, the Ex Ibadan Professional Football Association (EIPFA) has assembled a distinguished panel of Technical Evaluators whose collective experience spans decades at the highest levels of the game.
Among them is Mutiu Adepoju, affectionately known as “The Headmaster,” a celebrated member of Nigeria’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations squad and a FIFA World Cup veteran. His wealth of international exposure and understanding of elite competition brings invaluable insight into what it takes to succeed on the global stage.
He is joined by Dimeji Lawal, a former Nigerian International winger renowned for his technical skill and attacking flair, whose professional career remains a reference point for aspiring wide players. Also lending his expertise is Patrick Pascal, a former Nigerian international and current Super Eagles Team Coordinator, whose administrative and technical experience bridges grassroots identification and national team standards.
Further strengthening the panel are Friday Ekpo, a former midfield general with deep knowledge of player development, and Sunday Folarin, whose professional journey equips him to spot discipline, character, and raw ability in emerging prospects.
Complementing the ex-internationals are seasoned grassroots tacticians, including Coach Hakeem Busari and Coach Ayodele Adeyemo, Chairman of the Oyo State Coaches Association, both of whom possess extensive experience in youth coaching and technical evaluation.
Their mandate at the finals goes beyond judging match results. They are tasked with identifying exceptional individuals — players who can be groomed systematically, supported academically, and prepared for progression into under-15, under-17, and under-20 national structures.
— Boluwaji Ogunmola, Media, Local Organizing Committee
