The vibrant atmosphere of sportsmanship filled the air as the second edition of the 7-Aside Artisan Football Competition commenced in the heart of Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State. Organized annually among artisans and traders, this year’s tournament promises a great display of talent and passion for football.

Under the stewardship of the esteemed convener, Honourable Tokunbo Toriola, fondly known as Toks, the competition aims to foster unity and promote grassroots football development within the local community. With the enthusiastic support of participants and spectators alike, the event has quickly become a highlight on the local sports calendar.

Yesterday marked the thrilling inauguration of the tournament at the football field of the Oyo State School of Science, situated in Idere town. The honour of kickstarting the festivities was bestowed upon Honorable Akinlolu Olugbade, adding prestige and momentum to the occasion.

The opening match between Asejere Furniture and Quarry FC captured the essence of competitive spirit and resilience. After a fiercely contested battle, spectators were treated to a nail-biting penalty shootout, culminating in a hard-earned victory for Asejere Furniture, who emerged triumphant with a final score of 4 goals to 3 against Quarry FC.

As the excitement continues to build, today, on the 27th of February, the action intensifies with two exhilarating matches scheduled. The first clash features Ifesowapo FC from Igboora town facing off against Selmon FC, promising an afternoon of thrilling football dynamics. This showdown kicks off at 2:00 PM on the hallowed grounds of the Oyo State School of Science, Idere.

Later in the day, at 4:00 PM, the spotlight shifts to another captivating encounter between Butchers FC and Taylors FC. Anticipation runs high as both teams prepare to showcase their skills and determination on the field of play.

With each match poised to deliver its own brand of excitement and drama, the second edition of the 7-Aside Artisan Football Competition stands as a testament to the enduring passion for football within the Ibarapa Central community. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the players as they all contest to win Unity Cup, in the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.

BY ASOLO DANIEL

The Ayete Inter Quarters Football Competition hosted by Federation of Ayete Students’ Union (FASU) came to an end today as Ikogba lifts the trophy for the first time.

After the student union activities hiatus in Ayete, a new administration tagged “Era of Revival” led by Comrade Saheed Olaosun came to reignite and awake the spirit of unionism, and this has led to the success of this football competition.

The competition as organized by FASU Sport Director, Comrade Adefemi Muhammed, started on the 11th of September with 10 teams as participants in Ayete Grammar School Playing Ground. In the knockout stage, only 4 teams: Odo-ode, Ikogba, Oke-Isawo and Iwafin emerges victorious.

In the semifinals, Oke-Isawo defeated Odo-ode via penalty and Ikogba defeated Iwafin via penalty also after a goalless draw. The results eventually were 3-2 and 3-1 respectively.

The final began by 5pm, Ikogba defeated her opponent 1 goal to nil after a breathtaking match. The goal from Hamzat Roqeeb was enough to seal the victory. This happened to be a match where both teams were favourites for the trophy.

On the same pitch, Odo-ode cruised gleefully against Iwafin to emerge as the team going home with the bronze medal.

Hon Oladimeji Jamiu- Supervisor for Youths and Sports Ibarapa North local government was in attendance, Mr. Ojeyemi Kabiru presented the medals while Jinmoh Toibat was in attendance to present the trophy to the winning team.

By: Hamzat Taiwo Kafilah

Playing your favorite sports is the best thing in the world. Participating in sport can lead to higher self- esteem and better social interaction. Sport is part of human activities where Hijab is seen as a problem for female muslims.Female Muslims are partially allowed to compete or participate in sport competition unless they remove their Hijab.
    
Hijab covers the skin and hair from harmful causes of ultraviolet rays of the sun. Female Muslims maintain their modesty by wearing the hijab to participate in sports. Their participation in sports has historically remained lower due to the challenges they are facing. For instance, asking the Female Muslims why they wanted to wear hijab during sport activities. In most cases the female Muslims are asked to remove their veil (Hijab)if they want to participate in any sport games.

The aspect of Hijab is not just a wear ,it is our identity, pride, value and also represent good character. It is important to note that wearing hijab doesn’t mean that female Muslims will become unfashionable or lose thier beauty. People are not scared of hijab but they have no knowledge  about it and they don’t understand that wearing Hijab is not an obstacle or hindrance in sport  competition. Some people think that if you are Hijaby ,you can’t engage in sport or knows how to do it which is a bad ideology towards Female Muslims

It has been shown that female Muslims are just as capable of succeeding and performing well in sports with their Hijab. Female Muslims who wear thier hijab in sports and making history through their hard-works includes Asisat Oshoala- footballer,  kulsoom Abdullah-weightlifting, Ibtihaj Muhammad-Fencing, Indira kaljo- Basketball,  Salma Ahmed – footballer, This hijab was never meant to hold women back and these fantastic hijaby athletes are proving it!
Hijab does not cause any problem when using it during sport.

What are the benefits of wearing hijab?

Hijab serves as a Unique identity in competitions. It is easier to tell and differenciate them from others.Wearing Hijab during sport gives permission,power and  legal right to female Muslims. Putting on Hijab also makes them happy while engaging in sport activities.The female Muslims will be cheerful to dress in the way Allah has commanded them( By saying that, “place the khumur over the bosoms,” Almighty Allah ordered the women to let the two ends of their headgear extend onto their bosoms so that they conceal their ears, the neck, face, and the upper part of the bosom also. Chapter 33, Verse 59 – Al Ahzab) without any worries. Hijab also gives respect to female muslims for instance “I was once an athletic,who goes for training everytime.During the training, my coach  asked us to mingle with each other both male and female for massage . I’m the only one that will do the massage with a female because am putting on Hijab and massaging with another opposite sex or intermingling is not allowed in Islam. I’m being respected because of my Hijab”.

Hijab is very suitable for female women who play sports , very flexible, comfortable and elegant to wear with a healthy lifestyle.
The wearing of hijab in sports can increase the participation of Female Muslims and inspire younger generation of Muslim girls who wish to engage in sports.

Hamzat Taiwo Kafilah is a
200l student of Lagos STate University, Lagos studying English Education.