Sensational Start to Professor Akin Oyebode Cup 2024 As Emure LG Thrash Ikole LG 3-0
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The much anticipated 2024 edition of the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup commenced in style on Saturday Aug. 31, 2024 in a high octane match at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti,with Emure Local Government (LG) U-15 boys team dominating their Ikole LG counterpart in a thrilling encounter that ended 3-0 in favour of the former.
The match got off to a flying start when Emure LG U-15 captain, Jimoh Iyanu, converted a penalty in the 10th minute, sending the goalkeeper on a wild goose chase and giving his team the advantage.
At the event, stakeholders were urged to uphold the objectives of the tournament as a long-term commitment to discovering exceptional talents, supporting the development of the younger generation.
Speaking after taking the kick off on behalf of the family of the sponsor, the Oyebode family of Ikole, former Ekiti FA chairman, Mr. Bayo Olanlege reiterated the commitment to developing talents, promoting education, and gender neutrality remains unwavering, and that football can be a valuable tool for personal growth and development, motivating the sponsor to release funds to subsidize transport for all Local Government teams to their match venues.
Olanlege noted unequivocally that the sponsor, the Hon. Commissioner for Finance sole aim is to provide a platform for young talents to excel in football and continuously contribute to the society and all stakeholders involved in the competition must work as one in this project, while the committee has tasked the Chairman of Nigerian Coaches Association and current assistant coach with Ekiti United FC, Coach Mayowa Afolabi and his scouting team with ensuring the best talents in parade in the competition are spotted.
After the match, the monitority leader at the Ekiti State House of Assembly and member representing Ekiti East 1 in the hallowed chamber, Honourable Dele Ogunsakin, who was present at the game, praised and admonished the players to bring their best to field of play every match day.
Also present at the kick off event were the several members of the Executive Board of the Ekiti FA and the Technical Advisor to the Governor of Ekiti State Biodun Oyebanji on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba was represented by Ekiti United FC head coach, Mr. Olowookere.
Tosin Popoola, the Organizing Committee Secretary, expressed gratitude to the guests and fans who attended the match, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
The Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup 2024 will continue tomorrow, Sunday 1st of September, with matches scheduled to take place at four centers: Ikole Ekiti, Ikere Ekiti, Aiyetoro Ekiti and Ijero Ekiti.