EKSU Triumphs in Historic Ekiti Universities Baseball Tournament
The Ekiti State Baseball and Softball Association has made history by hosting the first-ever university-level baseball and softball competition in the state, with Ekiti State University (EKSU) emerging as champions over Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology (BOUESTI). The final game was Held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, the event marked a major milestone in the development of baseball in Nigeria and Africa.
The groundbreaking event brought together notable sports enthusiasts, including Ekiti’s Commissioner for Infrastructure, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, Prof. O.B. Ayayi-Vincent chairman Sports council EKSU, Prof. Pat Oyeniyi Chairman Ekiti State Baseball and Softball Association, Prof. Bolarinwa Olurotimi Marcus EKSU, Mr Adesongan director EKSU sports council, Mrs Aina Olufunke Olayinka Baseball Lecturer EKSU,
Prof. Alade Temitope Tiamiyu Baseball coordinator Bouesti, Dr Collins Aribamikan HOD BOUESTI and Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba.
First pitch during the first game was delivered by Prof. Pat Oyeniyi at EKSU sports complex, first pitch during the second game was delivered by Dr Collins Aribamikan at BOUESTI and the grande finale pitches was thrown by T. A. on sports to Ekiti State government Dr olusola Osetoba and Prof. Bolaji Aluko.
Coach Aina Oluwafemi, the driving force behind the initiative with the support of DC KNIGHTS, Washington DC, USA emphasized its importance, saying, “This is the first university-level baseball and softball game in Ekiti, Nigeria, and Africa.”
Coach Oluwafemi, who is also the first professional umpire from Africa trained at Wendelstedt School of professional Umpires in Ormond Beach in Florida USA, highlighted the event’s potential to inspire youth. “Baseball is a game of love and passion, and it’s one of America’s most youth-driven sports. It’s an opportunity to empower young people with discipline and leadership skills,” he added.
The tournament’s success was largely attributed to the contributions of Hunter Greene and his family, Hunter is a Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher at Cincinnati Reds, Ohio from the United States, who donated 115 brand-new baseball cleats, 35 bags and the winners’ trophy. His donation, valued at $66,000 (over ₦100 million), first of it’s kind in the history of Baseball and Softball in Africa underscored his commitment to the sport’s development in Ekiti State and beyond.
A life-sized portrait of Greene was unveiled at the event as a tribute to his ongoing support. Participants and spectators took pictures with the iconic image, symbolizing their gratitude for his partnership.
Coach Oluwafemi revealed that Ekiti State Baseball and Softball association has donated baseball equipment to six Nigerian states, four African countries, and multiple universities, including BOUESTI. He called on the Ekiti State Government, led by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to invest more in the sport, saying, “This game has the potential to put Ekiti on the global map. Let’s play this game, create awareness, and bring more sponsors to Ekiti.”
The event exemplified Governor Oyebanji’s vision for youth empowerment and job creation, providing a platform for collaboration, healthy competition, and talent development. It also highlighted the transformative power of sports in strengthening unity and empowering young minds.
As Ekiti embraces baseball as a tool for growth and empowerment, the momentum from this historic event signals a bright future for the sports in the state.
