A memorial football competition in honour of the first civilian Governor of Osun State, Late Otunba Isiaka Adeleke Memorial Football Championship has kicked off in Ede Federal Constituency.
The competition which was organized by the lawmaker representing the Constituency at the House of Representatives, Bamidele Salam, had it opening ceremony on Sunday.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Mrs Modupe Adeleke-Sanni, younger sister of Senator Adeleke; leaders of the People’s Democratic Party, football lovers and youth.
In her short address, Mrs Adeleke-Sanni appreciated the Salam for honouring her late brother. She said the gestures of Senator Adeleke became louder after his death as several individuals have come to show appreciation for what he did for them during his life time.
While commending the lawmaker, Mrs Adeleke-Sanni promised to support the talented young persons among the participants, who are ready to have careers in football.
Speaking with newsmen, Rep. Bamidele Salam said he’s moved by the need to develop talents in his Constituency. He said engaging the youth is very important to building a sustainable nation.
Salam said, “”Today we celebrate a man who has a heart of gold and his dreams and aspiration of selfless service to humanity remains undying, but rather blossomed even after his death.”
In his welcome address, coordinator of the competition, Oladele Bamiji said the final of the competition will be played on January 15, 2021 to celebrate the birthday of Senator Adeleke.
He said, “I’m also sure, this will not be a bad interlude of fresh air for all of us in a year that has confounded us with an unusual global pandemic. We must always find a way to assert our human indomitable authority that we wont be defeated by the domineering adversity this passing year.
“I cannot but appreciate the immense support and cooperation we have received towards this day from relevant agencies and organisations like the State FA, the Grassroot Coaches Council, the football Referees societies in the the four concerned local governments, security agencies and our friends in the fourth estate of realm, the media. I sincerely thank you all and also request of your partnership in this onerous efforts at supporting these bundle of talents at the grassroots.”
In the first match player, Ofatedo United saw off Awo United with a goal to nil.
Jelili Muritala scored the only goal of the game after receiving a close pass from Asimiyu Ayomide in the 73rd minute of the pulsating encounter.
Ofatedo United were the better side from the blast of the whistle, putting a number of efforts wide off goal and managed to get two shots on target before the interval.
Just as Awo United were enjoying their best spell in the second half, Ofatedo United took the lead through Muritala. A neat one-two allowed Asimiyu Ayomide to break into the Awo United box before cutting inside his marker and putting Jelili Muritala in a good position to slot in.
The win puts Ofatedo United top of the Egbedore Centre, which includes Ido-Osun Warriors, Ultimate Warriors from Iragberi and Awo United F.C.
Other centres are the Ede Centre which will play host to Fidelity Soccer Agency, Dynasty FC, Ede, Adiatu Adebayo FC, Akogun FC, Ede Eyiowuawi FC and GFCC Ede North FC.
Ejigbo Centre includes, Ifesowapo FC, Ejigbo United, Tanjo Surprise FC and Temidire FC.
Ofatedo Starting XI:
Adefioye Olaoba| Akintayo Matthew| Oladunjoye Ishola| Oparinde Kehinde|Adekeye Joshua| Sanusi Hammed| Jelili Muritala| Jerry Jerry| Gaffaru Onifade| Asimiyu Ayomide| Adeshina Ademola
Awo United Starting XI:
Olawuyi Ayuba
|Babatunde Joseph| Oyekanmi Wasiu|Williams Tefa| Olarenwaju Victor| Vitalis Daniel| Adeshina Tosin| Adedokun Ademola| Ogbu Sunday| Vitalis Tunde| Moses Daniel
