A leading governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Ajadi also used the opportunity to urge the Federal and State Governments, as well as well-meaning Nigerians, to invest more deliberately in sports as a strategic tool for youth development and empowerment.
The Super Eagles on Saturday defeated the Pharaohs of Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the third-place match, securing Nigeria’s bronze medal in the tournament, which concludes on Sunday.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ajadi praised the Nigerian team for finishing third among the 24 countries that participated in the continental competition, describing the feat as a reflection of resilience, courage, and national pride.
He specifically commended the players for their determination, discipline, and commitment to bringing honour to Nigeria, despite the challenges encountered during the tournament.
Ajadi also called on the team’s handlers and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to preserve the current squad, ensure adequate motivation, and provide appropriate rewards to the players as a means of sustaining future success.
While applauding the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper for his impressive performance during the penalty shootout, Ajadi advised the coaching crew to engage penalty specialists to further strengthen the team’s preparedness for similar high-pressure situations in future competitions.
Beyond football, the PDP chieftain stressed the need for government at all levels to prioritise sports development as a key pillar of youth engagement and national development.
According to him, sustained investment in sports would not only harness the talents of young Nigerians but also help curb social vices, unemployment, and street roaming among the teeming youth population.
Ajadi, a known philanthropist with a strong record of youth-focused initiatives, noted that empowering young people through sports remains one of the most effective ways to promote discipline, unity, and economic productivity in the country.
He urged governments and affluent Nigerians to see sports as a long-term investment in national stability, describing it as a powerful platform for talent discovery, job creation, and social inclusion.
