In the finals of the highly anticipated maiden edition of the Above 50 football tournament, the Abeokuta team exhibited unwavering determination but fell short of claiming victory.
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Princess Nike Olayori, a fervent supporter of the Abeokuta team, brought life to the supporter’s club with her energy and expressions in the Egba language. Speaking exclusively with Sports247, Princess Nike Olayori shed light on the team’s performance and the journey to the finals.
When asked about the outcome of the match, Princess Nike humbly expressed, “I don’t know what happened, but we just have to thank God. We came from behind and secured the second position. We love it. That’s how God wants it. It’s not that they defeated us; it’s the way God intended it. We started with a 3-1 score, progressed to the knockout stage, reached the final, and now we’re in second position. God has truly been helping us; it is all part of His plan.”
Elaborating further, she shared her thoughts on the challenges the team faced during the match. “If we had played this match on Saturday, we were in high spirits, and everyone was on the ground, but this time around, most people got injured, and they were not available. We were without about four key players, leading to a change in our team lineup. I believe that affected us to some extent.”
When asked about the tournament being the first of its kind and her message for the organizers, Princess Nike applauded the efforts put forth by the organizers and urged them to pay closer attention to the officiating aspect.
Princess Nike revealed that the Above 50 team from Abeokuta, known as the All-Stars FC, has been in existence for some time and is active in several areas around Abeokuta, including the Ase-ero group, MKO Abiola group, and others.
Regarding her comments about teams from Lagos and those from Abeokuta in the upcoming seasons, Princess Nike clarified, “When we arrived last week, there were seven teams from Lagos, and we were the only representatives from Abeokuta. Next season, my aim is to ensure that teams from various zones in Ogun State, not just Abeokuta, actively participate. Teams from Ilaro, Ijebu, Remo, Ilesha, Ijebu-Ode, and its environs will join in significant numbers. The event will be a truly Ogun State-studded affair by the grace of God.”
As Princess Nike Olayori reflects on the tournament and plans for the future, her passion for the sport and dedication to promoting football in Ogun State shines brightly, inspiring both her team and fans alike.
