Hon. Akin Alabi, member representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has announced the establishment of Ibadan United Football Club, a new football club that will compete in the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), the third tier of Nigerian football.

Alabi, a long-time supporter and former sponsor of Shooting Stars Sports Club, said his passion for football and desire to own a club informed the decision to establish the team.
According to him, the idea was conceived about five years ago alongside a friend, Biola Kazeem, leading to the formation of Lekki United in Lagos, where the club initially competed in the NLO.

He explained that after two years of participation, European football scouts began showing interest in some of the club’s players, creating opportunities for them to pursue professional careers abroad.
Alabi said the development made him realize that young footballers in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Ibadan and Oyo State should be the primary beneficiaries of such opportunities.

Consequently, he decided to relocate and rebrand the club as Ibadan United Football Club.

Addressing concerns about the club potentially competing against Shooting Stars, Alabi said both clubs could complement each other, noting that Ibadan United could serve as a talent development pipeline for the Oluyole Warriors and other clubs within and outside Nigeria.

He stated that the club’s primary objective is to provide a pathway for talented footballers across Oyo State to develop their careers and achieve their dreams in the sport.

“Ibadan United Football Club is here. We play in the third tier of Nigerian football, the NLO. We will make history together,” Alabi said.

The lawmaker is also the Ajia Olubadan of Ibadanland.