FIC REPORT (OGUN STATE) – Ogun State and the Republic of Tunisia are exploring a new partnership aimed at transforming grassroots football, strengthening sports institutions, and creating opportunities for young people across the state.
The initiative took center stage during a courtesy visit by Tunisia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mohsen Antit, to Abeokuta. The meeting was tied to the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup fixture between Nigeria’s Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.
Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, welcomed the engagement and stressed the need for deeper bilateral cooperation. He noted that Ogun is eager to learn from Tunisia’s long-standing success in building football from the grassroots to the professional stage.
A major focus of the proposed collaboration is the repositioning of Gateway United Football Club, Ogun’s state-owned team. The Governor’s office expressed interest in understanding how Tunisian giants like Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Étoile Sportive du Sahel, and CS Sfaxien built strong club identities, sustainable structures, and consistent records in CAF competitions.
Governor Abiodun highlighted that Ogun is rich in football talent and already investing heavily in sports infrastructure. With the hosting of national and international tournaments and ongoing upgrades to facilities, the state is positioning sports as a key driver of youth development and economic growth.
The Governor outlined that the partnership could span several critical areas. These include technical development, coaching, scouting, youth academies, club administration, sports management, and exchange programs between football institutions in Ogun and Tunisia.
“Our goal in Ogun is clear,” the Governor stated. “We want to build a football ecosystem that discovers homegrown talent, strengthens our local clubs, and produces teams that can compete and excel both in Nigeria and across Africa.”
In his response, Ambassador Antit affirmed Tunisia’s readiness to deepen ties with Ogun State. He explained that Tunisia’s football achievements rest on strong club governance, deliberate investment in youth development, technical expertise, and professional administration. He welcomed the Governor’s proposal and said Tunisia is open to exploring areas of mutual benefit.
Beyond football, the Ambassador noted that cooperation could also expand into education, culture, tourism, and investment. He described the proposed partnership as a foundation for broader relations that would deliver lasting value to both Ogun State and Tunisia.
Sourced by:
ABIOLA OTUNUGA
ACIO/PRO
FIC, Abeokuta
08/09/2026
