“And it was a royal kick-off,” echoed the compère, Abiola Obanoyen, as the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, declared open the final of the 2nd edition of Olowo’s Cup with a brilliant kick.
Fans of New Church Grammar School and Imade College, on Saturday, thronged the Owo Township Stadium in their numbers and could be visibly seen chanting various victory songs to cheer their respective teams as they slug it out on the pitch.
After 75 minutes of skilful football, mixed with entertainment and inspiring speeches, New Church Grammar School, Owo emerged champions of the 2nd edition of the Olowo’s Cup by beating Imade College 1-0.
New Church’s Olomide Muiz scored the only goal of the match in the 17th minute.
15 minutes into the second half, New Church thought they had extended the lead when they took the ball through the left flank, dismantling Imade College’s ‘larger than life’ midfield to score but it was disallowed by the referee, citing foul by the New Church striker.
Despite parading an intimidating line-up, Imade College wasted all attempts to equalize and possibly go home with the trophy for the second time as anticipated by the frenzied fans.
Sponsor of the tournament, Ajibola Adetula, promised to introduce new things such as VAR in the next edition of the tournament.
The state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, expressed optimism that raw talents discovered from the tournament will be developed.
Adelami, whose alma mater, Imade College, lost the match, congratulated both teams “for putting up brilliant performances” reiterating the commitment of the government to the development of grassroots sports.
He thanked the organizing committee, sponsor and the Olowo of Owo for a well-organized competition.
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin said the football competition was embedded in the ongoing Igogo festival to add glamour to the festival and ensure meaningful participation of young people.
Oba Gbadegesin thanked the governor and his deputy for paying attention to sports, among others, revealing his dream to make Igogo an international festival.
With seven goals, Olomide Muiz of New Church was the highest goal scorer and most valuable player of the tournament; Osuma Kehinde of Imade College emerged best goalkeeper; and Aladejimokun of New Church emerged best coach of the tournament.
The most-behaved school of the competition was Methodist High School, Owo while third place position went to AUD Comprehensive High School after beating Owo High School.
