Bet9ja U-19 Resumes In Ondo Central With Three Decisive Victories
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Hostilities have resumed in the Ondo Central Senatorial District of the Bet9ja U-19 Football Competition, with three matches decided across two centres.
At Ejioba High School, Obaile, Ipole FC recorded a convincing 2–0 victory over Academy FC in the opening match.
The encounter showcased raw talent from both sides, but Ipole FC wasted no time in asserting dominance, opening the scoring in the 9th minute before doubling their lead in the 47th minute. A solid defensive display ensured they secured maximum points.
In the second match at the same venue, Benfad Academy edged Diamond FC 1–0 to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Super Eight alive. The decisive goal came in the 20th minute, and Benfad Academy held firm until the final whistle in an enthralling contest.
Meanwhile, at the Ijapo Housing Field, Elite FC delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Haslat FC 4–0. Haslat FC began the match brightly, building from the back and holding Elite FC until the 43rd minute before conceding. Elite FC, a FUTA-based side, went on to score three more goals in the second half to seal the emphatic win.
Speaking after the matches, the Secretary of the Organising Committee, Akintoye Tomide, commended the teams for their sportsmanship before and after the games.
The Assistant Secretary of the Ondo State Football Association said the performances on display confirmed that the state is richly endowed with budding football talents.
He added that the association would continue to contribute its quota to grassroots football development across the state, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of developing the game.
The Bet9ja U-19 Football Competition, which kicked off last year across the three senatorial districts of Ondo State, has already concluded preliminary rounds in the North and South, with teams from those zones set for the Super Eight.
The Ondo Central fixtures, initially scheduled for December 2025, were rescheduled to January 2026 to ensure a more conducive and level playing ground for all participating teams.
The adjustment was also due to the clash with other age-grade competitions, including the Odatiwa U-17 Football Competition held at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
