In an unprecedented show of support for grassroots football in Osun State, Alhaji Olayiwola Olafiranye, a dedicated member of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association in the state, has gone the extra mile to sponsor eight promising football coaches to the National Institute for Sports (NIS) for a basic coaching course.
Olafiranye’s commitment to nurturing local football talent knows no bounds, as he generously covered not only the registration fees but also the entire tuition expenses for these eight coaches. The value of this sponsorship runs into millions of naira, underscoring his dedication to the development of sports at the grassroots level.
One of the beneficiaries of this remarkable gesture, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed his profound gratitude for Alhaji Olafiranye’s unwavering support. Each of the eight grassroots coaches received approximately one million naira, a substantial investment that will undoubtedly enhance sports development in Osun State.
“I thought it was a dream when I saw the alert,” said the anonymous beneficiary, emphasizing the transformative impact of this sponsorship on their coaching careers and, by extension, sports development in the state.
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The significance of this act of generosity cannot be overstated. Osun State has never before witnessed such a remarkable demonstration of commitment to grassroots football development. Alhaji Olayiwola Olafiranye, who also vied for the chairmanship position of the Osun State Football Association in the June 13, 2023 election, graciously stepped down in favor of Mr. Sola Fanawopo, the current chairman.
One of Olafiranye’s campaign promises was to provide training for a minimum of 50 grassroots coaches in the basic coaching course. Although he didn’t secure the chairmanship, he has continued to uphold his promise and steadfastly support football in Osun State. He has consistently donated equipment to local football teams and adopted budding football talents. For instance, Teslim Olanipekun, one of the talents under his wing, is making waves in Finland.
In a recent development, it has come to light that Olafiranye has pledged to purchase thousands of replica jerseys for the supporters’ club of Osun United, further solidifying his commitment to fostering a vibrant football culture in the state.
