Ifesowapo FC Crowned Champions of Radanuwa of Idado Annual Youth Football Championship

By: Ogunleye Oluwapelumi

The maiden edition of the Radanuwa of Idado Annual Youth Football Championship came to a thrilling conclusion on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024, with Ifesowapo FC emerging victorious over Agemo United in a keenly contested final.

The match, which took place at the Gateway Stadium in Sagamu, Ogun State, was attended by a large crowd of football enthusiasts from Idado and Sagamu, who gathered to celebrate the 51st birthday of HRH Oba Musiliu Oriyomi Soile, the Radanuwa of Idado.

The final match was a nail-biting affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but failing to find the back of the net in the first half. The second half saw Ifesowapo FC take the lead, only for Agemo United to equalize through a penalty kick by Lookman Olusola. However, Ifesowapo FC scored the winning goal through an own goal, securing a 2-1 victory.

The event also featured a session for the presentation of gifts, cultural performances, and a lively atmosphere as the audience, full of enthusiasm, banged drums and blew vuvuzelas throughout the match. The excitement was palpable as the crowd cheered on their favorite teams, creating an electric atmosphere that added to the thrill of the competition.

In his final address, the Radanuwa of Idado, HRH Oba Musiliu Oriyomi Soile, expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the competition, which began on April 30th. He particularly acknowledged the efforts of Mrs. Ola Sulaimon, founder of Friends of Ronzls Foundation, and Mr. Babatunde Osidele, team lead of Friends of Ronzls Foundation, for their commitment and hard work. The king also appreciated the organizing committee, his chiefs, fellow royalties, and the youth of Idado for their support.

Awards were presented to outstanding players and teams, including Owosina Tunde of Agemo United, who scored the first goal of the tournament; Lidero FC, which received the Fairplay award; Azeez Adeoye of Ifesowapo FC, the highest goal scorer with four goals; Lookman Olusola of Agemo United, the goalkeeper of the tournament; and Lookman Sosanwo of Agemo United, the best coach. Ayomide of Adegbade FC was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

The Radanuwa of Idado announced that the competition will be an annual event, and Honorable Sokoya sponsored the cash awards for the first and second places, with Ifesowapo FC receiving N300,000 and Agemo United receiving N200,000. Other participating teams also received cash prizes. The king’s promise of an annual competition has generated excitement among the youth, who look forward to next year’s edition.

In attendance were ; Oba Adewale Osiberu the Elepe of Epe, Oba Solomon Adegboyega Oguntade the Orimadegun of Araromi, Oba Lukman Oluwadamilare the Ebi of idena, Asoju Akarigbo Remo, Representative of the commissioner of sport, chiefs, royalties, family members and youths of idado.