Kunle Adelabu
It was a thrilling encounter between the two finalists of the 2023 Adeboruwa Cup: Ijaolu FC and Apalura FC, as both teams had to be separated in the epic game of football, via a penalty shootouts which lasted into the night.
Apalura FC eventually emerged the champions, winning the penalty shootouts 8-7.
The game ended goaless at the end of the regulation time, and the match proceeded straight into the penalty shootouts which was filled with suspense, anxiety and worry as the two teams played 15 penalties before winners could emerge
The final match was witnessed by the sponsor, Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the Vice Chairman of the council, Hon. Nuraini Okedina – Maja, Adeboruwa of igbogbo, HRM Oba Semiudeen Kasali and the Olofin of lsheri, HRM. Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade.
In reaching the final, Apalura FC played in Group C of the tournament, and qualified for the second round of the tournament as one of best losers teams (Best loser 3) after acquiring 3 (three) points, 3 goals for, and 2 goals against. The team won one (1) match and lost two (2).
In the Round of 16, the champions, while playing as the away team, defeated Tunji Shokefun FC 1 – 2, to qualify for the Quarter Final.
The team then beat Agunfoye FC 2 – 0, in the quarter final encounter which was highly entertaining and action packed, as they booked a date with the Selewu FC in the Semi Final.
In the semi final, Selewu FC dominated and controlled the game for long period and led the match with a goal till around 90th minute when the unthinkable happened with Apalura equalizing. In the ensuing penalty kicks, the champions of this year’s tournament won 6 goals to five to booked a place in the final against Ijaolu FC.
The prize for Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, won by Àkànjí Taofeek of Ijaolu United FC, was sponsored by Senator Olafare Comfort, while Comrade Hammed Tijani, a public administrator, sponsored the prize for the Most Valuable Player won by Ìdòwú Oluwasegun also of ljaolu United FC.
Iremide Ayomide of AWOBO Estate FC, won the award for the Highest Goal Scorer, sponsored by Barr. Adeleke Aroyewun (PRADA).
Master Ashafa Babajide, a 12 year old player of the Apalura FC who is the youngest player in the tournament, said that he was excited winnihg the competition
He thanked the sponsor and organisers of the football game for providing him and others to he platform to display their talents.
The 2023 Adeboruwa Cup final match witnessed a large turnout.
