It was an exciting moment at the Maracana Children’s Christmas Party organised by the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation in Ajeromi Local government area, as the Borussia Dortmund’s striker Karim Adeyemi’s presence inspired youngsters that were present at the event held on Friday December 22, 2023 in Ajegunle, Lagos.
Adeyemi who was a special guest at the facility charged the children not to relent in their efforts to have fun alongside playing football.
He described the Maracana Stadium as an example of a community-based facility that can mould every young person to become a world beater.
“I feel very proud to see that something like this is happening here and also, I am very happy to have contributed to the hostels in the facility; as well as seeing a beautiful pitch for the kids to play. It is great seeing children having fun, knowing each other and playing football together,” he said.
Adeyemi promised through his foundation that he would continue to support Nigerian kids in their quest to play football at the highest level.
For the head of the Borussia Dortmund Youth Academy, Christian Dierch, the Maracana stadium would surely help the kids to hone their skills alongside their live lesson through sports. ”And we (Dortmund) especially feel proud that Adeyemi’ foundation is willing to be responsible for Africa and to do good things and charitable work. This is something we will like to see as a club,” he said.
He added: “We are here firstly for charitable work through football development and secondly for making players technically better with the proper education by adding value and understanding.”
According to the chairman of Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, Yemi Idowu, the presence of Adeyemi would surely inspire most youngsters in the area.
“Today is the children’s Christmas party, so we took the opportunity to welcome Adeyemi. The Karim Adeyemi Foundation supported the construction of one of the hostels.
Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, Fatai Ayoola lauded the visit of Adeyemi. “I am highly elated, happy, and honoured to have that kind of personality identifying with the poorest of the poor in the community. Ajegunle is one of the suburbs in Lagos but with abundant talents.”
“Some of them are too young to understand what this is all about but at least they will remember the experience. For the old ones, it is just a way to reinforce the spirit behind this place; having kids from all over the state playing in your peer group,” Ayoola said.