Oke-Ira, Lagos | September 23, 2025: The Nigeria Catchball Federation (NCF) paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku, at the Council Secretariat in Oke-Ira to discuss strategic collaboration on introducing Catchball to the community.
The NCF delegation, led by President Engr. Bola Babarinde, Chief Operating Officer Engr. Ayotunde Ayotunde, and Personal Assistant to the President Miss Naomi Nnaji, presented Catchball as a growing global sport with unique benefits for local communities, particularly for girls and women.
Engr. Babarinde emphasized Catchball’s power to empower the girl child, create youth engagement, and provide international exposure for talented players. He highlighted the sport’s growing popularity in Africa and its impact on employment generation and social inclusion at the grassroots level.
Miss Naomi Nnaji introduced the Chairman to the game’s rules and recreational and competitive nature. She explained that Catchball originated in Israel and is now being embraced across Africa to support underprivileged communities.
In response, Hon. Odunmbaku inquired about the sport’s global recognition. He was informed of the potential inclusion of Catchball in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, and the upcoming Catchball World Cup for Club Championships taking place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from November 14–16, 2025, with Nigeria aspiring to participate, pending sponsorship.
The Chairman was also introduced to additional collaboration opportunities in green energy and local revenue generation, with a follow-up meeting planned with the NCF President.
The meeting ended with a presentation of NCF souvenirs and a photo session.
Speaking afterward, Miss Naomi praised the Chairman’s humility and focus, describing him as a leader with a “can-do attitude.” President Babarinde echoed her sentiments, calling Hon. Odunmbaku “an action man.”
This engagement marks a significant step toward using Catchball as a tool for community empowerment, sports development, and economic growth in Ojodu LCDA.
By Olawale Adams
