The Oyo State Government through the State Agency for Youth Development has announced the continuation of its free public viewing initiative for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), extending the programme to cover the third-place match between Egypt vs Nigeria on Saturday and the grand finale, Senegal vs Morocco scheduled for Sunday.
The initiative, which has attracted large crowds since the start of the tournament, is aimed at promoting unity, youth engagement, and communal bonding through sports entertainment across the state.
In a statement released through the Head of the Media Unit to the Chairman Opeyemi Rasheed Socrates, on Friday, the Oyo State government through the agency for youth development, said the decision to sustain the free viewing was informed by the overwhelming response and positive feedback from football fans, particularly young people, who have consistently turned out in large numbers on Wednesday semifinal match between Nigeria vs Morocco where the winner emerged through penalty.
While making it official, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, acknowledged that the designated viewing centres, the popular Racecourse, Adamasingba stadium have been fully equipped with large screens, quality sound systems, and a secure environment to ensure fans enjoy the matches in comfort and safety.
Falana further noted that the third-place match between Egypt vs Nigeria on Saturday offers fans another opportunity to witness top-level African football, while Sunday’s final between Senegal vs Morocco promises an exciting climax to the continent’s biggest football competition.
It added that the free viewing exercise aligns with the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Engr ‘Seyi Makinde broader commitment to youth inclusion, social interaction, and the use of sports as a tool for positive engagement.
The Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development described the programme as part of efforts to create recreational opportunities that bring people together while discouraging social vices among young people.
He emphasized that beyond football entertainment, the initiative serves as a platform for fostering peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility, and shared experiences among residents of the state.
The agency also assured participants of adequate security arrangements, noting that relevant security agencies have been mobilised to maintain order and ensure the safety of all attendees throughout the viewing period.
Adebowale however, disclosed that volunteers and staff members will be on the ground to coordinate activities, manage crowds, and provide necessary support during both matches.
Football fans who have benefited from the free viewing in previous matches commended the state government and the youth agency for the gesture, describing it as timely and people-oriented.
Many attendees noted that the initiative has helped reduce the cost burden on fans while creating an avenue for social interaction and collective celebration of African football.
The agency encouraged residents, especially youths, to turn out in large numbers for the Saturday third-place match and Sunday final, while urging them to adhere to laid-down guidelines to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable experience for all.
