The Oyo State Government has agreed to host Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national football team, the Falconets, ahead of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda.
The return-leg fixture is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The approval was announced after Tuesday’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Acting Governor Bayo Lawal at the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.
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Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works, Abdulmojeed Mogbojunbola disclosed that N110m has been approved to cover logistics, accommodation, feeding, security and other expenses during the team’s stay in the state.
“A total sum of N110 million has been approved to cover logistics, accommodation, feeding, security, and other related expenses during the team’s stay in the state.
“The qualifying match between Nigeria and Rwanda is scheduled to take place in Ibadan, bringing national attention to the city and reinforcing its position as a hub for major sporting events”, said the commissioner.
Mogbojubola said the state government’s support for the Falconets was part of a broader strategy to promote sports development and youth empowerment across the state.
The commissioner noted that hosting the national team not only boosts morale but also encourages local athletes and young football talents within the state to aspire to international standards.
“This initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development, 2023–2027, which includes deliberate investments in youth-focused and sports-related programs,” he added.
He, therefore, expressed confidence that the Falconets would make the country proud, and called on residents of Ibadan and sports lovers across the state to show their support during the team’s stay and the match itself.
Lekan Salami Stadium was built on 130,000 square meters of land, formerly occupied by Ibadan racecourse. It was opened on May 28, 1988. Developmental plans for the complex began in 1976 during the administration of David Jemibewon.
The racecourse space had gone unused and had been occupied by illegal structures and activities. To reclaim the land, the military government of Jemibewon decided to build a recreational and sports complex. While the initial design was for sport and recreational complex, provision of additional facilities for shops was later added. At inception, the complex included a football field, tennis courts, squash court and indoor sports hall.
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