Projects and Communications Coordinator of the Spanish La Liga in Nigeria, Ayodeji Adegbenro has told sports stakeholders in Osun State that they can hit a gold mine investing in football as it’s profitable, while he frowned at players who take part in betting.

Adegbenro, a seasoned sports administrator spoke on the topic: “Emerging Patterns Of Opportunities In Football Industry, Ethics And Challenges,” at the 2022 Family United By Football (FUBF) Day held in Osogbo.

It was an eye-opening event for stakeholders in the sports industry in the state as the high point of Adegbenro’s talk was: “Investing in football is a profitable venture if well managed, as football key actors must brace up for the emerging technologies and opportunities in football.

“Players of Nigeria’s domestic football should stick to the ethics of the job to suit best global practices and not get involved in betting, as it hurts the sports within several scandals and the integrity of sports through various acts including spot-fixing and match-fixing.”

The coordinator of the Spanish La Liga in Nigeria further thanked the Convener of FUBF, Tunde Shamsudeen on the growth of USM Khenchela of Algeria striker Tosin Omoyele.

Adegbenro further donated 20 match balls to the state’s grassroot coaches, with the target of developing the beautiful round leather game from the basics.

Shamsudeen in his welcome address, tasked the administrators of sports in the state to make sports thrive as he frowned at the inappropriate use of government sporting facilities in Osun State; and condemned hosting of burial activities in the stadium, which if put to good use, would help to discover more talents.

According to the Sports Media personality of repute: “Every stakeholder has a key role to play in this regard, as we should make sports thrive in Osun State.

“The era of using sports facilities in the state for other purposes aside sports events should be kicked against in totality by all who have the interest of the youths engaging in sports at heart.”

The custodian of football in the state and Secretary Osun State Football Association, Abayomi Amoo expressed his delight with the organisation of the 2022 FUBF Day. He then charged the FUBF Day organisers to avail him of the cost of hosting the next edition of the event two months ahead, as he would personally fund part of the budget.

Rotimi Dumoye (GM Sports Council) said the success of Osun State in the 2022 National Sports Festival won’t get into their heads as they will ensure that Osun become a stronghold for sports in Nigeria.

Stakeholders via the ‘United Voice’ appealed to the state government to keep investing in sports and that the concerned should speak to authorities with one voice.

  Abayomi Amoo, Ayodeji Adegbenro, FUBF, La Liga, Osun FA, Tunde Shamsudeen