By Femi Atolagbe

Zion Warriors of Ondo have emerged winners of the maiden edition of Ondo State Football League.

Zion Warriors of Ondo defeated Barrack Eagles of Akure 3-2 on penalties after playing 1-1 at the regulation time.

Seeway FC secured third spot through a walkover as their opponent, Sarajoe FC failed to turn up for the third place match.

The game played at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure saw Zion FC player, Oluwatobi Akinpelumi, putting his side ahead in the 38th minute after pouncing on an error by Barrack Eagles defender.

Barrack Eagles restored parity in the 65th minute through Lewis Omoja after finishing brilliantly from dispossessing the opponents’ skipper in the area.

Coach Rafiu Oseni of Zion Warriors said he was happy that his team was the champion of the maiden edition of the state League.

Oseni disclosed that the secrete behind his team success was the commitment of the players and coaching crew, adding that he was already looking out for the second edition of the league.

While Barrack Eagles Coach, Damilola Fadeyi thanked God that his team played in the final of the competition, saying he was disappointed not to have won the competition.

Fadeyi, commended the sponsor of the competition and lauded the level playing ground provided by the organisers for all the teams.

The Chairman, of Ondo State Football Association, Otunba Dele Ajayi, commended the sponsor, and the committee in charge of the competition for a job well done.

Otunba said: “The members of the committee have done a good job, I am satisfied and they have done more than 95 per cent. This year, outside the just concluded competition we have Governor’s cup coming up and age-grade competitions coming up.”

Also, Chairman, Ondo State Football League, Mr Yomi Seriki appreciated all the 69 teams that participated in the competition.

Seriki said the competition had helped get youths off the street and reduced vices.

He said the competition had lived up to the expectations

“We have to thank Our sponsors and virtually everybody involved, especially the 69 teams and each team registered 25 players now look at the multiplier effect on society.

“We now have a model, the model that came out successful, so basically, going forward, we are going to build on it, so if we want to do the second edition, we have the foundation teams we are going to invite and if you want to join the league you will have to fulfill some conditions we put forward and if you don’t meet up, you will not be able to join the league,” he said.

All the teams that particular in the super Eight went home with cash prizes as spectators were not left behind as one went home with brand new pressing iron and another went home with a standing fan through a lucky dip after they had picked numbers as the final match started.