#Sports

Eagles Academy beat Embavic FC, clinch Aiyedatiwa U20 cup

From Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa

Eagles Academy, Okitipupa, defeated Embavic FC, Ilutitun, 4-3 in a penalty shootout to emerge as champions of the Aiyedatiwa U20 Cup, after both sides played to a 1-1 draw during regulation time.

The final match, held at the Okitipupa Zonal Sports Complex, Okitipupa (Government Field), featured highly entertaining and professional football skills from both teams.

Embavic FC took the lead in the 35th minute through a superb finish by Seun Onukun, carrying their advantage into the second half.

However, Aremu of Eagles Academy equalised in the 80th minute, converting from the penalty spot after an Embavic FC defender committed a foul inside the 18-yard box.

Efforts by both teams to convert their chances proved abortive, as both sides maintained tight defences.

The Chief Host of the tournament, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Mr. Igbekele Akinrinwa, stated during the kick-off ceremony that the purpose of the tournament was to discover young grassroots talents for promotion to the state and national teams.

“I want to assure you all of Mr Governor’s ongoing commitment to the youth, even beyond 2025. Mr Governor is a man who prioritises the well-being of young people and is also a sports-loving leader. His focus on grassroots talent discovery led to the creation of this tournament. Let us continue to support him so he can extend his good works beyond 2025, and we will witness even greater achievements and development at the grassroots.”

“As the Chairman of this Local Government, I am impressed by the players’ performance today. Whether or not I remain in office as Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, I am committed to this tournament, and I will not allow it to end. We will continue with this programme, and from next year, I will sponsor it. For this year’s edition, I am donating ₦50,000 to the champions and ₦20,000 to the runners-up,” he concluded.

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Meanwhile, the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Football Council, Mr. Babatunde Igbasan, represented by the Football Council Media Officer, Thespian Ibukunoluwa Obateru, expressed his appreciation to the State Governor for his continued support of the youth and made an appeal for further football development in the Local Government and the zone at large.

In his words, “We appreciate His Excellency, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Executive Governor of Ondo State, for his commitment to our youth. You have always demonstrated that you are a sports-loving governor and a youth ambassador. Thank you for your ongoing support.”

Obateru also appealed to the Governor, on behalf of football stakeholders in the Local Government, to assist with rebuilding the collapsed fence of the stadium, which poses a security threat. He also requested the construction of seating stands at the sporting facility to further aid football development.

“Lastly, we request the deployment of coaching staff to Okitipupa Zone (Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Ese Odo LGAs) of the Ondo State Sports Council, as there is currently no coaching presence for any sport in the Zone. Previously deployed coaches resumed but left within a week to return to Akure. We plead that this issue be addressed to aid grassroots talent development. These are our requests. Thank you, sir,” he concluded.

Other dignitaries at the stadium included Mr. Borire Sunday, Special Adviser to the Governor; Mr. Okeniran, Vice Chairman of Ikale West LCDA; Mr. Barr. Obolo Kayode, Secretary of Okitipupa Local Government; and Mr. Agbajuni Femi (Stainless), Supervisor for Works, Okitipupa Local Government, among others.

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