The President of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Joseph, has hailed the maiden Southwest Sports Camp as a landmark step toward nurturing future Nigerian athletes.
The week-long event, held from August 11 to 16 at the Agroterra Sports Complex in Joga-Orile, Ogun State, brought together more than 600 students and over 150 game masters from Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Osun States.
Organised by the WAMUFAT Foundation in partnership with the NSSF, the camp provided participants with hands-on exposure to modern sports training, mentorship, and life skills.
Among the star mentors were legendary athletes and football icons including Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, Falilat Ogunkoya, Mutiu Adepoju, Felix Owolabi, Segun Odegbami, and Tajudeen Disu. They engaged with students directly, offering guidance and sharing their career experiences.
“I’m thrilled by the turnout and the enthusiasm of the students,” Joseph said. “This camp was a unique opportunity for former athletes to inspire future champions. It fostered unity, education, and discipline, while also teaching vital lessons like CPR and anti-doping awareness. We’re calling on more ex-internationals, reputable individuals, and corporate Nigeria to support such initiatives that steer children away from social vices and toward positive development through sports.”
Fatima Mohammed, founder of the WAMUFAT Foundation, pledged to make the next edition “even bigger and better,” while commending the support from all stakeholders.
Football legend Segun Odegbami also praised the initiative: “This camp promotes Olympism, friendship, peace, and personal excellence. The environment and infrastructure are top-notch. I’m amazed by the quality of the programme and delighted to see students learning sports like golf. Bringing in ex-internationals as role models will inspire these kids to become the best versions of themselves.”
Rasheed Afonja, founder of Agroterra Sports Academy, expressed gratitude to the organisers and assured his continued support for future editions of the camp.
The camp, according to organisers, will now serve as a launchpad for young talents across the region and a model for grassroots sports development nationwide.
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