Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and his Osun State counterpart, Senator Ademola Adeleke are expected to lead dignitaries including prominent sports personalities and Nigerian football legends in honoring the country’s former soccer star, Dr. Felix Owolabi Akinloye on his 70th birthday.
The milestone celebration of the new age of Nigeria’s living football legend will reminisce Dr. Owolabi-Akinkoye’s remarkable contributions to Nigerian football.
The birthday celebration of the former 11CC and Green Eagles left-footer will feature a star-studded novelty match at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex on Friday, November 22, 2024.
The event which promises to be memorable will also bring back the lofty memories of the skills and sportsmanships of Nigeria’s football legends.
Some of the country’s legendary footballers including Chief Segun Odegbami, Victor Ikpeba, Mutiu Adepoju, Kadiri Ikhana, and Augustine Eguavoen will take to the field in a thrilling match between the Ex Internationals and Ibadan All Stars kicking off at 3 pm.
The second match pitches his former club, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) against a team from his state of birth, Osun United at 4 pm.
The two matches will highlight the exceptional talent and skills of Nigeria’s football legends.
The participation of Governor Makinde and his Osun State counterpart in the celebration underscores Dr. Owolabi’-Akinloye’s significant impact on Nigerian football, football excellence, and enduring legacy in his 70 years of life.
Other events lined up to mark Dr Owolabi-Akinloye’s birthday celebration include a thanksgiving ceremony which holds on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Bolads Events Centre, Elewure Bus-Stop, along New Garage/Apata Expressway (Akala-Express), Ibadan, providing an opportunity for friends, family, and colleagues to pay tributes to the living legend of Nigerian football.
The birthday celebration is also aimed at uniting Nigerian football icons, friends, and families to celebrate Dr. Owolabi-Akinloye’s remarkable life, achievements and contributions to Nigerian sports.
Also expected at the events are the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin; Chairman, House committee on Sports, Hon Yusuf Adebisi; Oyo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Honourable Wasilat Adegoke; Oyo FA Chairman,Oba James Odeniran; NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF board members, Ex- internationals as well as a sports promoter and Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Engr. Dotun Sanusi and other members of the Nigerian Football fraternity.