Iwalewa Football Academy Secures Spot In State NLO 2
Iwalewa Football Academy of Saki have secured a spot in the Nationwide League 2 following their victory over Sult De King , Ibadan in the just concluded state Play- Off.
Iwalewa defeated Sult De King 3-2 on aggregate in a two legged game to attain the new feat .
The first leg of the game played at the Lekan Salami Stadium , Adamasingba , Ibadan ended 1-Nill in favour of Iwalewa, while the return leg produced a 2-2 draw at the Irewole Stadium , Saki .
Ajibowo Mutiu and Towobola Afeez were on the scored Saki based side, while Ayo Giwa grabbed a brace for Sult De King .
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the match, the Chairman , Oyo Football Association, Alakinyele of Akinyele, Oba James Odeniran , lauded the two sides for their efforts.
The former FIFA Referee cum Match Commissioner congratulated Iwalewa Football Academy for their resilience and determination that translated them into Nationwide League 2 status.
He speaks further “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”
“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”.
In a separate interview, Wale Amoo , Adekunle Julius and Coach Adedeji Adeoye , described Oyo State Football Association as a unique and unbiased body.
“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 opined
“Adekunle Julius on his part 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 kudos to the association “
Coach Adedeji Adeoye added that”The Chairman and his Secretary, Mr Kehinde Ojelowo have been very prominent and infinitely efficient.
“It may surprise you to know that I left a neighbouring state to register with the 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”
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