Ikire, a town once vibrant with sporting life, now lies a forgotten pitch, a testament to neglect, decay, and shattered dreams. The cracked earth, overgrown with weeds, tells a tale of abandonment, a story of how a community's passion was left to wither away. This neglect stems not from the athletes, but from the shortsighted perspective of the town's leaders, who failed to recognize the value of sports in nurturing talent and fostering community spirit.
Ikire was once a hub of activity, where young athletes gathered to chase their dreams, even if it wasn't monetized. The environment was electric, with anticipation building for various competitions like the inter-ward and Referee's Cup. The air was filled with laughter and cheering crowds. Now, the only sound is the eerie silence of neglect, punctuated by the occasional interruption of inter-secondary school football competitions during the annual Ikire Day celebrations.
Sports in Ikire was once the pride of the community, boasting talents like Oloyede Azeez (Sisco) from Youngstar Football Club, a rock-solid and impenetrable defender. Adeniran Azeez, also from Youngstar, was a maestro with his box-to-box playing style and dynamo-like energy. Akinropo Opeyemi (Magato) from TJ Football Academy was the fulcrum, a link-man with exceptional ability. Muili Abdulateef (Scholes) from the same team was the engine room, a talented playmaker. Other great talents like Debul, Evra, Oscar, and many more made the town eagerly anticipate sports activities, especially football.
Now, the goals stand like skeletal sentinels, a haunting reminder of what once was. The surrounding facilities, a shadow of their former selves, whisper tales of mismanagement and abandonment. It's a shame that a town like Ile-Ogbo has a standard football stadium, while Ikire cannot boast of a well-maintained open field for its sports activities.
The athletes who once called this pitch home have been forced to flee, seeking greener pastures elsewhere, taking on any jobs they can find. This exodus is a heartbreaking, sad, and despairing sight to behold. Their dreams, nurtured on this very ground, now seem destined to wither away like the pitch itself - a car crash in slow motion.
But it's not just the athletes who suffer. The community, once united by their love of sports, now feels the sting of neglect. Denied many sports activities, the town's economy and social life are suffering. It was amusing to see referees and coaches, who have gone on to greater heights, being promoted to local leagues at the state level or equivalent. Mr. Oyeyinka, a pride of Ikire, comes to mind.
I vividly remember when the Referee's Football Competition was organized (led by Mr. Mutiu Odetola). A mammoth crowd flooded in to watch, and the Uniosun area of Ikire experienced significant economic and social growth. We also once had the Colonel Falabi Competition and the Omidiran Football Competition. The forgotten pitch serves as a constant reminder of what could have been - a symbol of broken promises and shattered hopes.
Amidst the decay, a glimmer of hope remains. The passion for sports still burns bright in the hearts of the people. The forgotten pitch, though a tragedy, can also be a catalyst for change. Ikire is blessed with successful and illustrious sons and daughters who can bring about a massive transformation in the town's sports life. They can shatter the notion that "you can't be successful in sports from Ikire" - a facade that has cursed the town for far too long. Moreover, they can rescue the lives of athletes who have dedicated their youthful, significant, and irrecoverable time to their passion for football and other sports.
A solution is within reach for those willing to revitalize Ikire's ailing sports life. Prominent individuals can adopt a football club, financing and promoting it, while also providing exposure and travel opportunities for the players. This could include but not limite to:
- Ikire Progressive Union Team
- Akogun Lere Oyewumi Football Club
- Bola Oyebamiji Football Academy
- Dr. Aliu Olushola Football Team
- IOA Football Team
- IBO Football Team
If done with the intention of helping those whose destiny is tied to sports, this initiative will succeed. Our slogan, "Eni to fe ikire yoo se rere," should motivate potential sponsors, promising a greater Return on Investment (ROI).
Let us unite to reclaim our pitch, revive our community's sporting spirit, nurture the dreams of our young athletes, and restore our town's pride. The forgotten pitch may symbolize neglect, but it can also testify to our resilience and determination. Eni to fe ikire yoo sere.
🖊 My_piece
Comr. Adeniyi Afeez Taiwo
09/08/2024
The Forgotten Pitch: Ikire's Sports Tragedy - A Story of Neglect, Decay, and Broken Dreams
Reviewed by Ayomite media
on
August 09, 2024
Rating:
Reviewed by Ayomite media
on
August 09, 2024
Rating:
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