Chairman of the Ekiti State Football Association, Oloworemo Oluwole, has charged the Super Eagles to win the title at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Speaking in Fez, Oloworemo said winning the AFCON would serve as compensation to Nigerians for missing out on a FIFA World Cup ticket.
“Nigerians are still sad over the World Cup crisis, and our boys should understand that they need to bring the AFCON trophy back home. This will bring joy and excitement to over 200 million Nigerians.
“Anything short of winning the trophy will not redeem our image in international football, and we deserve to be compensated,” he said.
The Ekiti FA boss urged Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to maintain his starting eleven, saying that a win over Uganda would improve the country’s head-to-head record against the Cranes.
“I don’t think we should tinker with our squad just because we have qualified for the knockout stage. A win today will improve our rating because, out of eight matches between us, we have only won two and drawn two, which is shocking to me.
“We have started well by winning two matches, and we need to maintain this perfect run up to the final. I’m happy the NFF is giving all the support needed to prosecute the AFCON, and nothing but the trophy is expected from them,” he said.
Oluwole also revealed that the Ekiti State Football Association, under his leadership, will organize a series of football activities in 2026.
He listed the upcoming events, which include the Ekiti Local League, Ekiti U-15 and U-17 Boys and Girls Leagues, the Akin Oyebode Gold Cup, and the BAO Continuity Cup.
He commended the state government, led by Governor Oyebamiji, for the ongoing construction of six stadia across the state, which, upon completion, will enhance football and sports development in general.
According to him, the projects are sited in Ado Local Government, Ilawe Local Government, Irepodun Local Government, Efon Alaye Local Government, Aramoko, and Ijero Local Government.
“We are seeking a more enabling environment, and once these projects are completed, we will no longer rely solely on the Kayode Oluyemi Stadium to achieve our objectives, which are to discover and nurture talents.
It will also support our schools and grassroots vision, as we plan to organize inter-school competitions across Ekiti State,” he added.