RIYE U17 Boxing Circuit: Odesanya earns university scholarship despite defeat

Abeokuta came alive on Friday night as the maiden edition of the RIYE U17 Boxing Circuit ended at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, with 24 young boxers competing in 12 bouts across Ogun State‘s four sporting zones.

One of the major highlights of the event was the announcement of a scholarship up to university level for Odesanya Oyinkansola, a student of Rev. Kuti Memorial School, whose performance earned her the recognition of Barrister Habeeb White, an alumnus of the school.

Although Odesanya lost her bout against Hassan Khadija of Yewa, White was impressed by her display and pledged to sponsor her education through to university level.

The gesture added an inspiring dimension to the competition, highlighting the role of sports in youth empowerment, education and talent discovery.

Organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Hon. Tunde Delu, the competition brought together 24 boxers from Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba sporting zones for 12 bouts.

The event provided a platform for the young athletes to showcase their skills, determination and competitive spirit before spectators, dignitaries and sports stakeholders.

Winners emerge in 12 bouts

In the opening contest, Oluwasegun Emmanuel of Remo defeated Adedokun Basit of Yewa by a unanimous 5-0 decision, while Anifowose Khalid of Egba overcame Ajadi Sulaimon of Ijebu through a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC).

Sorinola Rejoice of Remo edged Azeez Hazimat of Ijebu 3-2, while Alabi Jamiu of Egba recorded an identical 3-2 victory over Oladele Waris of Ijebu.

Atanda Ayomide of Remo also secured a 3-2 win against Taiwo Oyakojo of Yewa, while Hassan Khadija of Yewa defeated Odesanya Oyinkansola of Remo.

Oyakojo Quyum of Yewa recorded a 5-0 victory over Ogunyale Opeyemi of Ijebu, while Adeniran Quyum, also representing Yewa, defeated Olaonipekun Sofiu of Ijebu by the same scoreline.

In the female category, Alayande Roheebat of Remo defeated Olaoye Esther of Egba 5-0, while Abdulsalami Fatitu of Remo overcame Amoo Oladimeji of Egba 4-1.

Shoyombo Anuoluwapo of Egba produced another dominant display, defeating Akinyemi Tolani of Yewa 5-0, while Amoo Alhameen of Ijebu rounded off the 12-bout programme with a 5-0 victory over Talabi Samuel of Egba.

All 12 winners received ₦100,000 each, while the other participants were rewarded with ₦50,000 apiece.

Anuoluwapo applauds initiative

Speaking after her victory, Shoyombo Anuoluwapo commended the organisers for providing young boxers with an opportunity to compete and showcase their abilities.

She particularly appreciated Delu for creating the platform and encouraging young athletes to take their sporting ambitions seriously.

“I am very happy to be part of this competition and grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talent. I appreciate Hon. Tunde Delu for putting this event together and giving young boxers like us a platform to compete.

“This initiative has put smiles on our faces, and I hope it continues because it will encourage more young people to take sports seriously,” she said.

In his remarks, the organiser, Hon. Tunde Delu, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries, boxing officials, coaches, participating athletes and spectators who contributed to the success of the maiden edition.

He particularly acknowledged those who remained at the venue despite the initial rainfall, describing their support as a major encouragement to the organisers.

“I sincerely appreciate all our distinguished guests, officials, coaches, the boxers and everyone who came out to support this initiative. Your presence means a lot to us. I am particularly grateful to those who stayed with us despite the rain to ensure that the event was successfully concluded.

“This is only the beginning. We have seen the enthusiasm, the talents and the excitement generated by this competition, and I assure you that subsequent editions will be bigger, better and more impactful. Our goal is to continue creating opportunities for young people to discover and develop their sporting talents,” Delu said.

He added that more initiatives were in the pipeline through the RIYE Sports Circuit under the Young Athletes Yield Initiative (YAYI) scheme.

Dignitaries grace event

The competition attracted several dignitaries, including the Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha; Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Taiwo Oludotun; and members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Laja Majekodunmi and Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu Ayoola, Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate.

Others included former Ogun State House of Assembly member, Hon. Femi Allen Taylor; Hon. Idowu Olowofuja; and Special Assistant on Strategy to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Abiola Odetola.

Also present were former Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Chief Laja Majekodunmi; Hon. Emmanuel Olumuyiwa Babayemi; General Manager of Stormers Sports Club, Mr Lekan Kelani; Hon. Juwon Sanyaolu; and Odewole Monsuru Oladimeji, popularly known as Tambo Cuba, Chief Executive Officer of Phase4sportkits, alongside other personalities from different sectors.

The maiden edition ended with a celebration of emerging boxing talents and a renewed call for initiatives that combine sporting development with opportunities for young people.

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