Ile Aanu Community Agog as 3rd Edition of Ile Aanu Football Competition Ends in Grand Style
By Tiamiyu Kazeem
It was glamour, glitz and electrifying football artistry today in Ede Osun State as the curtains fell on the highly anticipated 3rd Edition of the Ile Aanu 6-Aside Football Competition in a spectacular grand finale that will linger in memory for a long time.
The day’s action kicked off with a pulsating and tension-soaked third-place encounter between the gallant Dr. Akinrinade Team and the formidable Hon. Ibrahim Team.
It was a keenly contested, end-to-end thriller as both sides displayed tactical brilliance, raw passion and superlative skills. The regulation time ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, sending the mammoth crowd into wild jubilation.
The game was decided via penalty shootout where Hon. Ibrahim Team showed greater composure, winning 2-1 to clinch the 3rd position. Both teams indeed played their hearts out to the admiration of the ecstatic spectators.
The much-awaited final was a classic – a true battle of titans between the entertaining Sheebaby Team and the resilient Hon. Usman Team.
It was football at its finest – beautiful passes, dazzling dribbles, rock-solid defending and breathtaking saves.
The spectators were held spellbound from start to finish and went home extremely happy after witnessing the best legs of the tournament.
The cynosure of all eyes were the two shot-stoppers who were in sensational form. The highly agile and spectacular goalkeeper of Sheebaby Team, popularly known as “Landlord”, pulled off unbelievable saves, while the safe hands of Hon. Usman Team, Bidemi, was simply impregnable and was later deservedly crowned the Best footballer of the match.
After a pulsating goalless draw in regulation time and extra time, the final had to be decided by lottery of penalty shootouts. In a nerve-wracking shootout, Hon. Usman Team triumphed 2-1 to emerge Champions of the 3rd Ile Aanu 6-Aside Football Competition.
Several outstanding players were honoured with individual awards, while medals were presented to all players from the third-placed team, runners-up, and the champions, Hon. Usman Team.
The colourful finale was graced by eminent personalities, including the sponsor and Chairman of Ile Aanu Community, *Dr. Akinrinade Oluwafemi Elijah*, who personally graced the occasion; *Hon. Raji Taoheed Sijuade Zobo*,and Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Agriculture Honourable Niran Atidade; *Mr. Femi Ogunajo*, Director of Administration and General Services; *Builder. Abdulateef Buhari; Mr. Wole Akande*, lecturer, Federal Polytechnic Ede; *Pastor Akanji* from Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State; *Mrs. Olanbiwonninu Iyabo and Mrs. Tiamiyu Muibat Mojisola*, among others.
Also in attendance were representatives of Olohunsogo, Ifesowapo and Isokan communities and teeming spectators from far and near.
