Two legendary Nigerian footballers are shining a spotlight on grassroots talent development in rural Ekiti State, demonstrating the untapped potential of young athletes eager to make their mark.

Former international players Mutiu Adepoju and Victor Agali attended the final match of the Mayegun Ademola Adetifa Foundation (MAAF) 2025 Games Competition in Aramoko Ekiti, where they witnessed exceptional young talent that could represent Nigeria's future football success.

The tournament's final match saw Team Isao 1 triumph over Team Oke Oja 2 in a thrilling 4-3 victory, with Team Oke Oja 1 securing third place. But beyond the scoreline, the event represented something far more significant: a platform for discovering and nurturing young football talent.

Adepoju emphasized the importance of talent discovery, stating, "Definitely, there are good talents here. We have seen some good players that can be brought up." He urged governments to continue supporting football talents in clubs and academies, creating enabling environments for sports development.

Echoing Adepoju's sentiments, Agali praised the tournament's organizers for their commitment to youth development. "We can't leave it in the hands of the government alone," he explained. "We must put our efforts together to advance soccer and sports in the country."

The foundation's founder, Ademola Adetifa, revealed that the initiative aims to not only discover talent but also promote community unity. "We believe that with the right guidance and support, these young individuals can achieve great things and make a name for themselves in international football," Adetifa shared.

Looking ahead, the foundation is considering inviting legendary players like Austin 'JJ' Okocha or Kalu Nwankwo for the 2026 edition, further solidifying their commitment to inspiring the next generation of football stars.