Femi Atolagbe
The Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) has completed the restoration of its natural grass football pitch, marking a significant step in efforts to improve football infrastructure and player development in the state.
The facility, which had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect, has been transformed into a fully restored natural grass playing surface designed to provide a better training environment for players and teams under the agency.
According to the agency, the rehabilitation forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen football development by providing quality sporting infrastructure capable of supporting talent identification, player development and improved performance.
Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency, Mr Divine Ogbonnaya, said the project reflects the agency’s commitment to rebuilding football from the grassroots by creating facilities that meet professional standards.
The agency noted that a well-maintained natural grass pitch offers several benefits, including improved player safety, enhanced ball movement, better tactical training sessions and preparation for competitions played on similar surfaces nationwide.
It added that the facility will serve Sunshine Stars FC, Sunshine Queens FC, Sunshine Stars U-19 and other youth development programmes, providing them with a consistent training ground to aid player conditioning and technical development.
The agency described the restoration as part of ongoing efforts to prioritise infrastructure, youth development and player welfare while repositioning football in Ondo State.
ODSFA also acknowledged the support of Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, stating that his administration’s investment in sports development, youth empowerment and infrastructure renewal had contributed to the successful completion of the project.
With the rehabilitation completed, the agency expressed optimism that the upgraded facility would improve the standard of training, support the development of young footballers and contribute to stronger performances by Ondo State teams in domestic competitions.