Ajegunle, a vibrant neighbourhood in Lagos, is set to host the Ogedegbe U-12 football tournament on January 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th at the Navy Barracks, thanks to the sponsorship of ex-international footballer Nathaniel Ogedegbe.
With a rich background as a footballer and youth coach, Ogedegbe is eager to contribute to identifying and nurturing young talents in Ajegunle. Notably, the neighborhood has been a fertile ground for football stars like Emmanuel Amuneke, Odion Ighalo, and Ifeanyi Udeze, discovered through talent scouting initiatives.
Expressing his vision for the tournament, Ogedegbe emphasised its potential to address youth restiveness and provide a positive engagement platform for the young residents. He stated, "I believe the tournament will help address youth restiveness and positively engage them. The event is a platform to hone their skills, expose themselves, and improve."
Nathaniel Ogedegbe, a former Flying Eagles star, has a storied history in Nigerian football. He attended and played for St Finbarr’s College, Yaba, Lagos, where he served as the captain of the school football team. His journey continued with selections for the first U-20 national team and then the Green Eagles, alongside legends like the late Stephen Keshi and Henry Nwosu.
In 1981, Ogedegbe ventured to the United States to join the men’s soccer program. At Alabama A&M University, he earned numerous personal recognitions, culminating in his induction into the Alabama Hall of Fame in 2013.
Presently, Ogedegbe serves as the Director of Flawless Soccer in the US, balancing his commitment to football with his profession as a civil engineer. The Ogedegbe U-12 football tournament is a testament to his dedication to nurturing the next generation of football talents and providing them with valuable opportunities for growth and exposure.