Kwara State will host the 4th edition of the MoniMak Baseball and Softball Championship from July 26 to 30, 2026, at the Kwara State Baseball Park Adewole in Ilorin , with 13 state clubs expected to participate.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Centre, Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the sponsor of the championship, Mrs. Monisola Yemisi Makanjuola, alongside the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mallam Duro Sanni, assured stakeholders of a well-organised and memorable tournament.
Mrs. Makanjuola, a former international, Vice President of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association, NBSA, and Board Member of the Kwara State Sports Commission representing Kwara South, said this year’s edition is projected to be the biggest and most competitive since the inception of the championship.
“This annual tournament has been impactful in promoting baseball and softball across states. It provides a platform for players to improve, and also serves as a talent discovery avenue for athletes who will represent Nigeria in future in both national and international competitions,” she said.
She added that the core objective of the championship is to create greater awareness for baseball and softball in Nigeria, in line with other major sporting events.
Also speaking, the LOC Chairman, Mallam Duro Sanni, popularly known as “Falcao,” said the championship is designed to empower the girl-child and create opportunities at the grassroots level.
“The tournament is about empowerment for the girl-child and shaping a better tomorrow. It gives hope to grassroots players by providing a pathway for them to nurture their dreams of becoming champions at home and abroad,” Sanni stated.
According to him, the championship has evolved into a key talent identification programme for the NBSA, particularly in the women’s category.
Mallam Sanni further disclosed that the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, is expected to attend the grand finale as Special Guest of Honour, while the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Magaji, will serve as Chief Host.
He commended Mrs. Makanjuola for her sustained commitment to the development of baseball and softball in Nigeria, describing her investment as a major boost to grassroots sports and female participation.
Cash prizes will be presented to outstanding teams and individuals at the end of the tournament.
Also present at the media briefing were the Secretary of the LOC and Kwara Baseball and Softball Association, Abdullateef Oloyin; Tournament Director, Coach Toba Alegbe; Mr. Moses Adebola of ASSPO; Coach Joseph Ogunseye; Coach Twaki Sunday, and the Kwara State Softball Coach.
The five-day championship is expected to feature intense competition and further consolidate Kwara State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading hubs for baseball and softball development.
Organisers have called on parents, guardians, and sports lovers to come out en masse to support the young athletes, promising thrilling encounters throughout the tournament.
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Adexinsight
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