Ijapo Ages Football Club of Akure have defeated Fortune Rangers FC in the opening match of the 15th edition of the TUBABA Football Scouting Academy Network Nigeria, Tagged : "2023 Adu Cubana Unity Cup".
A minute of silence was observed by both teams over the demise of two Ijapo Ages FC players before the kick-off.
Damilola Adekayero gave Ijapo Ages FC the lead in the first half of the encounter decided at the Ondo State Sports complex,Akure.
Fortune Rangers reacted swiftly with a counter attack, which was well contained by the Gbenga Olanipekun lead backline.
Efforts by Ijapo Ages FC to increase the tally with combination of Raphael Adeyemo, Nosa Enabulele onslaught were not successful with many goal chances lost in the first stanza of the entertaining encounter.
The FUTA-based side scored a quick second half free kick to change the score board to 1-1.
Tactical changes by the Ijapo Ages FC head coach, Adeola Adetomiwa, restored the Ijapo-based side lead as one of the Fortune Rangers players handled the ball inside their own box to give Ijapo Ages FC a penalty that was converted by Adeleye Adewole to make it 2-1.
Nosa Enabulele extended the lead having fired a shot to the top roof corner of the net to end the tie 3-1 in favour of Ijapo Ages FC .
The sponsor, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu commended both sides for displaying football artistry to the admiration of the spectators.
Adu said he was satisfied with the displayed of both teams, saying the competition was a testimony that Ondo State is blessed with enormous talents.
According to him, "it will be my pleasure to see indigenous football players to play in top teams within and across the globe."
The organizer and the Chief Executive Officer of Tubaba Football Scouting Academy Network, Nigeria, Comrade Ayokunle Oluwatope, commended the sponsor for his passion for grassroots football development.
He added that the purpose of organising the competition was to discover budding talents abound in the state, saying the previous editions had produced many football players that are doing well both within and overseas.
He said: "This organisation will continue to strife hard to contribute their quota to the development of the round leather game in the state.
The Chairman of the Local organising Committee, Raymond Abdulsalam, thanked all the participating teams for their maturity in the before , during and after the match.
He admonished all the teams to maintain the tempo and play to the rules of the game, saying the organisers will continue to give all the participating teams equal opportunities.
Damilola Adekayero received cash prize as the first goal scorer of the competition.
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