In a Spirit of Unity and togetherness, Oyo township agog for the Inaugural maiden edition of the Under-13 football Competition organized by the Board member of Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Hon. Olalekan Akeem Jimoh Aji, in a way to enhance grassroots football.
The ecstasy competition was held at the renowned Oyo Durbar Stadium, Oyo, with a classy encounter between the Rehoboth Football Club and John Mayor Football Club.
The competition, which featured sixteen (16) teams from various Club was part of his efforts to promote grassroots football development.
However, John Mayor FC defeated their opponents, Rehoboth Football Club, in a thrilling 4-0 in the final match, emerging champions of the tournament, demonstrating exceptional skills and teamwork throughout the competition.
While speaking shortly after the epoch-making encounter, Hon. Akeem Aji congratulated John Mayor FC on their victory, praising their dedication and hard work.
He stated that what prompted him to organize such an encounter from the U-13 level was to discover hidden talents from the promising youth, giving them what it entails to become professional as well as motivating them in the area of sports most especially Soccer.
Hon. Aji further reiterated that the idea was also carved from the sustainable legacy of His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde FNSE in the area of sports, turning the sod of all the five zones’ stadiums into international standards and with natural grass.
He said, “Today’s inaugural edition of this competition has been a huge success, and I’m thrilled to see the talent and passion of these young players while I’m committed to continuing this initiative and providing opportunities for our young people to develop their skills and achieve their dreams.”
While lauding the commitment of the governor and support to soccer and other athletes, he commended the other 16 participating teams for their sportsmanship and enthusiasm.
The winning team received a trophy and a cash prize of Fifty thousand naira (#50,000.00k) while the runner-up team received a sum of thirty thousand naira (#30,000), the third position received a sum of twenty thousand nairas (#20,000), and the fourth position received a consolation prize of Ten thousand naira (#10,000.00k) respectively.
Individual prizes doled out were Best Player of the theTournament,t won by Rashee; BestGoalkeeperr of the Yea,r won by Taiw; Youngest Player of the Tournament,t won by Stephe; Topp Score,r won by Rashee; and Best Coach of the theTournament,t won by Coach Fred.
The highlights of the event featured an Award of Excellence presented to Hon. Olalekan Akeem Jimoh Aji, Engineer Akinwale Oluwaseun, Elder Coach Dauda Yusuff, Chancellor Dagunro Moses, Agbara Sports, Aare Ifakayode Omo Osagunleja, Hamzat Olatunde Wealth and several others.
The Sponsorer of the competition, Hon. Akeem Aji, assured the spectators that the competition would become an annual event, with plans already underway for next year’s edition of the Under-13 Football Competition.
Organizers include; Coach Olayoonu Abiodun (Chairman), Coach Kolawole (Vice-chairman), Coach Kamaldeen (Secretary), Coach Fred (Treasurer), and others.
In the entourage of the Sponsorer were Hon. Akin Ejalonibu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Oyo federal Constituency, Hon. Ilyas Akin Alawode, Engineer Akinwale Oluwaseun, Sumak, Kehinde Kogbagidi, and several others.
