… Aiyedatiwa reiterates commitment to sports devt

Femi Atolagbe

“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 thronged the Owo Township Stadium on Saturday in large numbers, visibly chanting various victory songs to cheer their respective teams as they battled it out on the pitch.

After 75 minutes of skilful football, mixed with entertainment and inspiring speeches, New Church Grammar School, Owo, emerged as 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.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, New Church thought they had extended their lead when they advanced through the left flank, dismantling Imade College’s ‘larger-than-life’ midfield to score, but the referee disallowed the goal, citing a foul by the New Church striker.

Despite fielding an intimidating line-up, Imade College wasted all attempts to equalise and possibly take home the trophy for the second time, as anticipated by their frenzied fans.

The sponsor of the tournament, Ajibola Adetula, promised to introduce new features such as VAR in the next edition of the tournament.