Chairman, Oyo State Football Association, Alakinyele of Akinyele, Oba James Odeniran has recorded another flawless feat after seeing Iwalewa Football Academy of Saki winning the state Play -Off against Sult De King of Ibadan.
After piping the Ibadan soccer based side in a reversed fixture at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the Saki Football outfit, Iwalewa FA prepared for a keenly contested battle against the very determined SDK as both sides gave the fans a great football artistry with the homers won in a 3-2 aggregate.
The result stood two-all draw [2-2] at the Irewole Stadium, Saki with
Ajibowo Mutiu and Towobola Afeez were on scorer sheet for the Iwalewa boys while Ayo Giwa grabbed a brace for the Ojasowo side.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the match, Oyo FA boss, Oba Odeniran who had once served as FIFA Referee and Match Commissioner gave a thumb up to the two sides and congratulated Iwalewa Football Academy for their resilence and determination that translated them into Nationwide League 2 status
According to the highly reverred monarch, he said:
“The two teams gave the fans the taste for their money having recorded a close range result in the encounter. Let me on behalf of the Oyo State Football Association congratulate the winners, Iwalewa Football Academy for giving fans a great opportunity to watch them play a good brand of football and also a big congratulations to the Saki fans”
The State F.A helmsman added that: “I was once a referee and I was privileged to make it to FIFA stage .So, I know what it means to give a level playing ground to all teams . Let me reiterate that no Referee will like to compromise the standard here and enter the black list of the state association “
“This is the reason why football is growing in leap and bound in Oyo state and it has really encouraged proliferation of private clubs to spring up across different zones and areas”.
Feeling the pulse of the fans after the match, the encomiums were showered on the leadership of the Association ably led by its Chairman, Alakinyele of Akinyele, HRM Oba James Odeniran as he midwifed the birth of Saki Football outfit, Iwalewa Football Academy into the Nationwide League 2. They said:
“If there’s anything that distinguishes Oyo State Football Association from others, I think giving a level playing ground to all teams makes them unique and this gives us a confidence to win anywhere”. Wale Amoo
“Adekunle Julius on his oart said: “My club is one of the registered teams in this competition but I can boldly say that the leadership of Oyo State F.A is a model in terms of logistics. Though we lost but to a better side. But, in terms of security arrangements, fans control and level playground. I give them big kudos to the management. The Chairman and his Secretary Mr Kehinde Ojelowo have been very prominent and infinitely efficient in th state”.
“It may surprise you to know thst I left a neighbouring state to register with Oyo State Football Association due to double standard and high handedness of club matters in my former state but I can vouch that Oyo state FA does every of its business in a transparent manner which is in line with FIFA and CAF standards. In fact, Oyo State Football Association takes a front seat amongst others. Coach Adedeji Adeoye.
Credit: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)
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