Residents of Okerube, a community in Ikotun, Alimosho, have received a boost with the opening of a new modern sports centre for football lovers.
The facility, called Kasali Kudus Sports Complex, was built by philanthropist Kasali Kudus to promote grassroots football and youth development in the area.
The complex was officially unveiled on September 14 at Bonjour Sports Complex, Irepodun Street, Okerube, under the Kasali Kudus Foundation.
It features an artificial-turf pitch suitable for 8-a-side football games. The centre is only the second privately-owned football facility in the area, following Seamoriow Sports Complex, and is already being celebrated as a welcome addition to the community.
Speaking with The Guardian during the unveiling, the founder, courtesy of Kasali Kudus said the project was inspired by the desire to give back to society and create a safe, structured environment for young people to train, play, and grow.
“This facility is more than just a football pitch,” he said. “It’s a platform for young boys and girls to develop their skills, stay positively engaged, and be motivated to pursue careers in football.”
Since opening for public use three months ago, the sports centre has become a popular destination for players from within and outside Okerube.
When PurpleWorld visited on Tuesday morning, over a hundred football enthusiasts were seen arriving by cars and motorcycles to participate in friendly matches.
One of the players, who identified himself as Ibrahim, praised the new facility for revitalizing the area.
“This place has really brought life to our community,” he said. “Instead of spending all day at the gym, I come here with my team to play football and keep fit. It’s a great development, and we love it.”
The centre is equipped with modern lighting for night games, a spectator-friendly layout, and a durable playing surface. It now hosts recreational matches, training sessions, and local competitions.
Beyond football, the Kasali Kudus Foundation plans to organize coaching clinics, mentorship programmes, and talent discovery initiatives from the complex. The long-term goal is to create a clear pathway for talented young players in Abaranje-Okerube to reach professional levels both in Nigeria and abroad.
The establishment of the Kasali Kudus Sports Complex marks another step forward for grassroots sports in Okerube, providing young talents with the platform they need to grow and succeed.
