In a bid to introduce and integrate the newly invented sports, Eye Throw and Focus Ball, into schools across Ogun State, the Eye Throw Ball Association of Nigeria organized a “Train the Trainers” workshop on Thursday.
The training aimed to equip sports teachers with the fundamental skills of the new games.
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The event, held at Our Lady of Apostles Primary School, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, brought together sports teachers from the three senatorial districts of Ogun State. Participants received both theoretical and practical training on the dynamics of Eye Throw and Focus Ball.
Speaking with journalists, the inventor of the games, Deacon Banjo Omole, revealed that he received divine inspiration for the games in 2014. Since then, he has introduced them in Lagos, Ogun, and at various Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) camps and conventions. He described the games as unique and urged Nigerians to embrace them.
“We can introduce them to the Olympics. These are brand-new sports. God gave me this vision, even though I am not a professional athlete. We are expanding the sports from the local government level to the state and eventually to the national level,” he said.
Omole emphasized that the games are inclusive and can be played by individuals of all ages, whether tall, short, young, or elderly. They can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, making them adaptable to various settings. “This is a new global sport. You won’t find it anywhere else because it is God-given, and whatever comes from God will go far. We are hopeful that it will gain international recognition,” he added.
Describing the gameplay, Omole explained, “Eye Throw Ball can be played by an individual or a team of four. Each team has ten attempts to score, with each successful shot earning two points. A player can score a maximum of 20 points, while a team can accumulate up to 80 points.”
He further elaborated that Eye Focus Ball is an advanced version of Eye Throw Ball, played by two teams of five players each. The objective is to score points by netting the ball through specially designed holes, referred to as Gesha and Fotti. Unlike basketball, which is often dominated by taller players, Eye Focus Ball is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of height.
Regarding the game’s acceptance, Omole noted that wherever it has been introduced, people have shown great enthusiasm. However, he stressed the need for support and sponsorship to scale up the sport.
“We need to distribute the necessary equipment to local governments, states, and the federal level so that these games can become part of our national sports identity. By the time we introduce them to the Olympics as sports invented by Nigerians, we will have achieved our goal. We must not allow outsiders to take credit for what originates from our own country,” he concluded.
