By Kanu Samuel
Ijapo Ages Stars FC of Akure South have defeated Ebile FC of Ondo East 2-0 in the final of the Adu Unity Football Competition to retain the trophy for the fourth consecutive year.
Femi Kolawole fired Ijapo Ages Stars FC into the lead in the 11th minute with a clinical finish from Dunsi Olaosebikan’s free-kick.
Ebile FC responded swiftly, but their efforts were thwarted by the resolute defence of the defending champions.
Ijapo Ages Stars FC maintained their high-pressing approach, which paid off in the 20th minute when Kolawole was fouled inside the penalty area. The centre referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot.
Dotun Adebayo stepped up and converted the resulting penalty, sending the Ebile FC goalkeeper the wrong way to double his side’s advantage.
The goal ensured that Ijapo Ages Stars FC went into the half-time break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The second half of the enthralling final produced no further goals as Ijapo Ages Stars FC emerged victorious to lift the Adu Unity Football Competition trophy for the fourth consecutive year.
The Sporting Hope understands that Ijapo Ages Stars FC have remained unbeaten since the inception of the Adu Unity Football Competition four years ago.
Speaking in an interview with The Sporting Hope, Ijapo Ages Stars FC head coach, Olaleke Karimu (Bora), commended his players for their resilience and concentration throughout the encounter.
Karimu attributed the team’s success to hard work and the commitment of both the players and management.
“The victory was a reward for unity, dedication, commitment, doggedness and the desire to win, win and win more,” he said.
The coach also disclosed that his team would participate in the Federation Cup this season, expressing optimism that some of his players could attract the attention of bigger clubs.
“We are going to play in the Federation Cup this season. From there, we hope some big teams will sign some of our players,” he said.
He also commended the sponsor of the competition, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, for his consistency in sponsoring the tournament for four consecutive years.
Karimu further appreciated the team’s supporters for standing by the club throughout the competition.
“I thank our supporters for standing with the team from the beginning of the competition until the final. We appreciate you all,” he added.
Reacting to the outcome of the final, Ebile FC coach, Femi Akinribido, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, admitting that they lost to a better side.
“Yes, I am satisfied with our performance. Out of 21 participating teams, we finished in second position. It wasn’t a bad outing for us,” he said.
Akinribido acknowledged that his team had some lapses, which he promised to address going forward.
He also commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for what he described as a job well done, particularly in ensuring fair officiating throughout the competition.
“As a coach, we want to win and are passionate about our job, but the truth is that the referees have done well from the opening match to the final. I rate the officiating very highly,” he stated.
He further prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the competition sponsor, noting the financial commitment involved in organising the tournament.
“I pray that God will continue to bless the sponsor of the competition. It is not easy to spend over ₦10 million on a competition in this harsh economy,” he added.
The competition sponsor, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, congratulated the champions and all participating teams for their contributions to grassroots football development.
He acknowledged the importance of club owners and coaches in sustaining the competition, noting that the tournament could not take place without their participation.
“If we call you and you don’t have teams to present, we can’t play it by ourselves. So, I appreciate all the club owners and coaches for keeping the players together positively,” he said.
Adu pledged to sustain his contributions to grassroots football and other sporting activities in Ondo State and beyond.
“I will continue to contribute positively to anything that will bring development to Ondo State in line with the policy of the current administration under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Ayomide Gabriel of Ijapo Ages Stars FC (Akure South) won the Best Goalkeeper award.
Pius Samuel of the Ondo State Sports Council Team emerged as the tournament’s highest goalscorer with seven goals, while Daniel Hussain of Ebile FC was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
In another development, the Ondo State All Stars Football Veterans unveiled Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu as a member of the association and presented him with the Best Sportsman of the Year award.
The competition organisers were also honoured with the Best Local Organising Committee 2026 award, while the Ondo State Sports Council Team received the Best Promising Team of the Year award.
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