When Olubunmi Jinadu, a man with a deep passion for football and international development, mounted the podium during the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Victory Tour at the Cote D’ivoire Embassy in Washington DC, it was clear that this moment was more than just a celebration of a trophy—it was the start of something bigger.

Mr. Jinadu, who serves as Senior Advisor and Member of the Baltimore Maryland 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Committee, has always believed in the power of sports to unite people across borders. His role in orchestrating the historic collaboration between Cote D’Ivoire and Baltimore Maryland is a testament to that belief. The event, which brought the AFCON trophy to the Ivorian diaspora, was a significant milestone in a partnership that promises to leave a lasting impact on the global football community.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jinadu shared his vision for the future. “Even though Baltimore Maryland did not get nominated as a host city, we’re still moving forward with our international development program,” he said, his commitment evident. “The first era that we’re looking at is actually with Cote D’Ivoire because of their exemplary display of football not just on the field, but off the field. We also look to partner with different African countries starting with Cote D’Ivoire.”

The collaboration, which was also supported by Cote D’Ivoire’s Ambassador H.E. Ibrahima Toure, Minister of Sports H.E. Adje Metch, and President of the Cote D’Ivoire Football Federation (FIF), Yacine Idriss Diallo, marked a significant achievement for both regions. On the Baltimore Maryland side, Terry Hasseltine, President of Maryland Sports and Entertainment, and Tarik Moiduddin, a board member of Maryland Sports and Entertainment, worked closely with Mr. Jinadu to ensure the event’s success. The event also saw the presence of Emmanuel Olu Falodun, Founder of The Top Achievers, further emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity across different sectors.

The AFCON tournament itself received widespread praise, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) calling it the most successful edition in history. The improvements in infrastructure, officiating, and the quality of play were all lauded, setting a new standard for future tournaments.

For Mr. Jinadu, however, the real success lies in the connections forged through this partnership. His dedication to fostering international relationships through football is not just about the game—it’s about creating opportunities, bridging divides, and building a legacy that extends far beyond the field.

As both Cote D’Ivoire and Baltimore Maryland continue to explore new ways to collaborate, Mr. Jinadu’s leadership is sure to inspire future initiatives that bring the global football community closer together, one partnership at a time.

*#OlubunmiJinadu #InternationalFootballDevelopment #CoteDIvoire2023 #BaltimoreMarylandLegacy #BeyondFIFA2026 #CAF2023*