Soccer Academy, Igede have won the 2019 Bet9ja Ekiti State Football league. The team defiled all odds to become the winners of the maiden edition of the competition sponsored by foremost betting company, Bet9ja, by defeating highly rated Moyero Football Club.
In a thoroughly exciting and intense encounter that had the impressive crowd including the deputy speaker of EKHA, Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu who led a large number of members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly which included Hon. Joseph Olatunji and others, Hon. Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Pastor Michael Awopetu; former EKSFA chairmen, Chief Ayo Agbebi, Dr. Isaac Ayodele, and several members of the state house of assembly at the Oluyemi Kayode stadium on the edges of their seats, it was, indeed, end to end action. What with the teams thrilling fans with soccer artistry and of course, with eyes on the ultimate prize.
After a scoreless first half, Moyero FC took the lead with Eze Lawrence curling his shot into the top corner for the opener. Undaunted, Soccer Academy, Igede resumed the second stanza on the prowl for the leveller.
Against the run of play, Taiwo Akindele nicked the equalizer for the fast paced Igede boys. And before Moyero knew what hit them, the Igede boys netted the second goal to send the crowd into frenzy. Opportunity to consolidate via the spot kick was fluffed as Moyero’s keeper saved his team’s blushes with a great save.
A swift counter attack by the fluid playing Moyero side resulted in a spot kick that was neatly tucked in by Eze Lawrence for his brace and of course, the much sought equalizer.
The game became tentative till the final whistle. And straight into penalties. And with Soccer Academy coming out tops on 4-2 . The victory was not only important, it was also symbolic as it gave the team the ticket to represent the state in the NLO 3 playoffs.
Earlier, Ifaki United had defeated a obviously distraught EKSU Galacticos 4-2 on penalties after a barren game in the third place match. For EKSU Galacticos, it was so close, yet so far, for the academicals.
Soccer Academy, Igede went home with the giant gold cup and the mouthwatering prize of N500,000. While Moyero fc and Ifaki United received the sums of N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
Speaking at the end of the matches Chairman of Ekiti FA, Bayo Olanlege, thanked God for a successful championship. While also appreciating everyone who contributed to the success of the competition.
On lessons learned from the competition, he remarked that with collective and concerted efforts, no height is impossible to climb.
” We believe that nothing is impossible. And our modest achievements with this competition, amplifies our mantra that ‘Yes, we can’ ” the amiable football administrator noted gleefully.
