By Emmanuel Olagunju
The final match of the Oyo Creative Football Development Under -15 Holiday Football Competition, took center stage last Saturday with Net Breakers Football Club, Oyo emerging champions of the competition sponsored by Tikajay Technical and Stainless Enterprises.
Net Breakers defeated Young Eagles, also from Oyo by a lone goal in the grueling final game played at Durbar Stadium, Oyo.
Rasaq Sulaimon was the hero as he found the back of the net some minutes to the end of the first half which later proved decisive.
Distinguished individuals and stakeholders were honoured with awards in recognition of their numerous contributions to development of football at the grassroots by the Organizers of the tournament .
Personalities honoured at the event were the Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo Zone, Dayo Ojo , Retired Football Referee, Mr. Adunola Waheed , Chairman, Crescent Football Club, Mr. Olawale Sakiru , and the Donor , Mr. Agboluaje Yusuf .
Speaking, the sponsor of the tournament, Mr. Agboluaje Yusuf, said the motive behind the tournament was to ensure that sporting activities develop at the grassroots as expected, particularly football.
Agboluaje, who spoke through his brother, Mr Lateef Agboluaje, harped on the need for young athletes to pursue their passion and goals to the fullest while urging those who lost out in the final not to be discouraged by the defeat but to keep pushing forward.
Highlighting the importance of the tournament, the Chairman, Oyo Football Creative Development, Coach Olayoonu Abiodun, affirmed that the tournament has provided a platform for young players to showcase their talents, keep them off streets and fit during the holiday period.
He attributed the success of the tournament to the tremendous support received from the sponsor, and assured better package in the next edition .
Speaking shortly after receiving his award , the SWAN Chairman, Oyo Zone , Dayo Ojo , described the concept and approach of the Organizers as laudable.
He speaks further:” I congratulate the Organizers of the tournament for the success. Honestly, I didn’t see this coming.I dedicate this award to SWAN members , Oyo Zone. There is one important person I will also like to dedicate the award to. The CEO Emyytee fitness, Canada based body builder, Oluwashina Ojediran Emmanuel.He has been supporting what we are doing here for a very long time”.
Other awardees at the event also expressed delight for the honour bestowed on them by the Organizers.
Cash gifts, jerseys, soccer balls , medals and lots more incentives were doled out to the winners , second , third and fourth positions respectively. Winners of individuals awards such as best player of the tournament, best Coach and Highest Goal Scorer were also rewarded.
