… says no gate fee for match
Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, has assured football fans across the state and beyond that the state is fully prepared to host the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Rwanda.
The match, scheduled for September 27, 2025, will take place at the newly upgraded Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The Commissioner made this announcement on Monday at the Oyo State Governor’s Briefing Room.
Describing the match as a “historic occasion,” Adegoke said the government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, is committed to making the event memorable for the players, officials, and thousands of fans are expected to attend.
“On September 27, 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 said.
The Commissioner praised Governor Makinde for his significant investment in sports infrastructure and youth development, attributing the opportunity to host the international fixture to his visionary leadership.
“It is because of his support and investment in facilities like the Lekan Salami Sports Complex that Oyo State today stands ready to welcome Nigeria, Rwanda, and the world to this global sporting stage,” Adegoke stated.
She also extended appreciation to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for selecting Oyo State as the host, describing it as a vote of confidence in the state’s capacity and commitment to sports development.
Parts of move aimed at boosting fan participation, Wasilat Adegoke announced that no gate fee will be charged for the match, stressing the importance of inclusiveness and community engagement.
“His Excellency aims 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.”
She urged residents, students, youths, workers, traders, and sports enthusiasts, to troop out en masse to support the Super Falconets, Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team.
“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. Let the world see the strength, passion, and hospitality of Oyo State reflected in the energy of our people.”
The Commissioner further assured that adequate security will be provided before, during, and after the match, highlighting that Oyo remains 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 of a safe and enjoyable experience.”
“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.”
She noted that the fixture will also serve as motivation for the newly inaugurated Pacesetter Queens, the state-owned female football club.
“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.”
It would be recalled that the state government had approved the sum of N110million for camping and hosting of the match.
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