Ore Bombers Win Maiden O’datiwa U-17 Cup
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Ore Bombers from Odigbo Local Government area have emerged champions of the maiden Governor Aiyedatiwa Cup, tagged “O’datiwa U-17” football competition, held at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The Governor’s Cup featured 36 teams drawn from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, with two teams representing each local government.
Ore Bombers defeated Rolawe FC of Akure North 4–3 in a penalty shootout in the final encounter after regulation time ended goalless. Rolawe FC finished as first runners-up.
Both teams displayed impressive football artistry to the admiration of dignitaries and fans at the sporting arena. Despite the high quality of play, neither side was able to find the back of the net during the 90 minutes of regulation time.
Earlier in the third-place match, Ondo East Young Stars defeated Afolabi Iyantan FC 4–2 on penalties after regulation time ended 1–1, to claim the second runners-up position.
Speaking after the final, Head Coach of Ore Bombers, Tajudeen Olayinka, expressed his delight at winning the competition, noting that the journey from the preliminary stage was not easy.
“I thank the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for organising this age-grade competition through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development,” he said.
He urged the organisers to make the tournament a continuous programme rather than a one-off event, adding that it should serve as a platform to promote young talents to Sunshine Stars U-19 and eventually the senior team, with prospects of playing in Europe.
Rolawe FC Head Coach, Kehinde Musa, said he was not disappointed with the outcome of the match.
“We tried our best, but this is a cup final—it can go either way,” he said.
He added that the team identified some loopholes in their performance and would return to the drawing board to address them.
“To be honest, our players did not play with a high level of confidence. Above all, it was a good competition, and I commend our sports-loving governor and the hardworking Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development for organising this age-grade tournament.
“I hope it will be a continuous programme, because this is where new superstars will be discovered and groomed for Ondo State and Nigeria at large.”
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
