A formidable assembly of Nigerian sporting legends has converged in Ogun State to guide the next generation at the inaugural Seven-Day Sports Camp.
The camp, a collaborative initiative by the Wamufat Youth Community Development Foundation (WYCDF) and the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), commenced today at the Agroterra Sports Complex, Joga-Orile.
Headlining the esteemed list of mentors are:
Segun Odegbami: Legendary "Mathematical" winger, 1980 AFCON winner, and former Green Eagles captain.
Mary Onyali-Omagbemi:Five-time Olympian and three-time Olympic medalist.
Falilat Ogunkoya: Olympic medalist and African record holder in the 400m.
Mutiu Adepoju: Former Super Eagles midfield maestro renowned for his tenacity and international experience.
Felix Owolabi: Former Green Eagles winger, Olympian, and holder of a doctorate in Physical Education.
Tajudeen Disu: Former national team player and Abiola Babes star who leveraged sports for educational advancement.
Hon. Yusuff Alli: Former Olympic long jumper and current CEO of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board.
This distinguished group will provide mentorship and high-level training to over 400 student-athletes drawn from the six South-Western states: Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ondo. They will be supported by more than 150 participating Game Masters from the region.
Alhaja Fatimoh Wealth, Chief Promoter of the Sports Clinic and President of WYCDF, officially welcomed participants and outlined the camp's vision. "We are thrilled to launch this initiative and promise all the children an incredibly exciting and enriching experience," Alhaja Wealth stated. "Beyond the fun and learning this week, WYCDF remains resolutely committed to its mission: promoting sports development across Nigeria and diligently harnessing the abundant talent within our youth for national and international glory."
The camp atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as young participants arrived, eager to learn from their idols. Among them were:
Gbolahan Adeniyi (13, Athletics): "Seeing legends like Mary Onyali, Falilat Ogunkoya, and Hon. Yusuff Alli here is incredible. My dream is to stand on that Olympic podium one day, and this camp is where I start building that path," Adeniyi shared, his eyes fixed on the track.
Quyum Okikiola (10, Football): Clutching his football tightly, Okikiola declared, "I want to learn everything from legends like Mr. Adepoju and Chief Odegbami. I will practice every single day. My goal is clear: to wear the green and white of Nigeria."
Temilade Akinjobi (12, Table Tennis): Arriving focused, Akinjobi expressed her readiness: "I aim to master the spin and speed of the game. Learning from champions here will take my skills higher."
Bisola Adeyemi (11, Athletics): "I feel fast just being here near the track," Adeyemi said, stretching. "With these great athletes guiding us, I know I can learn to run even faster and smarter."
The seven-day camp programme is designed to empower young people through structured sports activities, values-based coaching, and wellness education. Participants will engage in daily specialized training sessions in athletics, football, table tennis, and other sports; motivational sessions and leadership development workshops; and educational modules on modern sports techniques, anti-doping awareness, health education, and safeguarding protocols.
NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph, commended the WYCDF for the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the Federation's strategic goals. "We deeply appreciate WYCDF for this laudable programme, which perfectly supports our IMPACTS agenda focused on grassroots development," Joseph said. "Clinics and camps like this are essential for teaching foundational techniques and nurturing well-rounded individuals through sports like athletics, basketball, football, and table tennis."
The WYCDF/NSSF Sports Camp represents a significant investment in Nigeria's sporting future, utilizing the expertise of its most celebrated athletes to inspire and equip the champions of tomorrow. Activities continue throughout the week at the Agroterra Sports Complex.
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