The much anticipated Bet9ja Ekiti Football League ( BEFL), kicked off yesterday at the Oluyemi Kayode stadium, Ado-Ekiti with lots of excitement and goals to the delight of the impressive crowd that included Ekiti State Commissioner of Sports and Youths, Hon. Michael Awopetu; HRM, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin, the Olukere of Ikere; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youths, Mr Yemi Owoseni and a host of other dignitaries.
In the speech delivered on his behalf by Hon. Awopetu to declare the competition officially open, Governor John Kayode Fayemi, reiterated the commitment of his administration towards the development of Ekiti youths and the provision of sports facilities, as well as, the support of the government to help them thrive.
” My government shall continue to support sports and particularly, the development of youths in this state. I am also impressed with what is ongoing in Ekiti football and I want to assure you of the continued support and encouragement of this administration,” Fayemi stated.
The competition swung into action immediately after the kick off by Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin. The first match of the day, saw Moyero FC defeated Paul Omotosho FC 3-0. And it was quickly followed by the most exciting game of the day, as the youngsters of Phoenix ASC annihilated their bigger opponents Clever Companion FC 6-0.
In the other games of the day, Golden Light FC narrowly lost to Felix FC 2-3; as Ekiti East FC also defeated Ayedun United 1-0. And earlier, Ikole United walked over Amilano FC who did not turn up for the game.
According to the fixtures released, matches in the competition sponsored by Nigeria’s foremost betting company continues on Monday, 3rd June 2019, at the same venue.
And at the end of the playoffs, 16 teams will qualify for the league proper. The teams will be pooled into four groups of four teams each and with matches played on home and away basis. Winners of the groups will move into the knockout stage to battle for the grand prize of N1million.