The All Stars Football Organization, Ikorodu, have emerged winners of its commemorative football Championship tagged ‘One Day Football Fiesta’, beating All Stars International, the acclaimed number one All Stars team in Nigeria, via penalty shoot-outs.
The epic final, which was played at the Strong Tower Academy on Saturday, October 27,2018, ended goalless draw at regulation time and the resultant spot-kicks saw the Ikorodu All Stars team converting all their five penalties while their opponents converted five of their own.
Four matches were played among the three best All Stars teams in the country.Among those that took part in the mini football tournament were ex-internationals and former local league players who are still actively engaged in the round leather game.
The three teams that participated in the tournanment were All Stars International, All Stars Managers and Ikorodu All Stars Football Organization which produced two teams.
The four matches saw ex-internationals, ex-national team players and other players displaying their skills and deft manoeuvering of the ball which made them the darling of football enthusiasts during their playing days.Their brilliant performances showed that they still possess the necessary skills and knowledge of the game but their body obviously could not longer cope with the rigours.
The two teams that played the final match created many scoring chances but their goalkeepers were up to the task as they made several saves to deny their respective opponents.
In the third place match, All Stars Managers had an easy ride over All Stars Organization team B as they played with flair and determination.Their efforts paid off as they thrashed their opponents by 4 goals to 1.
In the second match between the two home teams, All Stars Ikorodu team A, led by Yinka Abiodun, defeated team B by 3 goals to nil.
The opening match of the one day football fiesta was between the two leading All Star teams in the country; All Stars Managers and All Stars International.
The balanced and entertaining match ended a goal apiece while the resultant penalty shoot-outs ended in favour of the All Stars Internationals which converted 11 penalties while their opponents scored 10.
Award of Excellence were presented to Hon. Fatai Jaiyeola, Secretary to the Ikorodu Local Council Development Area and the first Chairman of the All Stars Football Organization, Ikorodu, Alhaji Murisiku Banwo, a former Chairman of the organization, Otunba Adebowale Ogunade, Mr Wale Hassan, the producer of Vino Gano wines and Late Anofi Saminu, a former coach and one of the founding fathers of Ikorodu All Stars Football Organization.
Also, Mr Billy Tanny, the oldest player of the one day football tournament and a former Stationary player, was presented with a Merit Award.
The winners of the 2017/18 Ikorodu All Stars Football Organization League season, Ikorodu Constituency I Team ( sponsored by Hon. SOB Agunbiade) were also presented with a trophy at the championship while Lanre Olabinjo was presented with a trophy as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the concluded season of the league.
Among the eminent guests that witnessed the tournament were Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Azeez Jimoh Olosugbo, Otunba Segun Abiru, Chairman, Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) represented by his Duputy, Alhaji Kolawole, Otunba Waliu Daisi, Chairman, NURTW, Ikorodu branch, Alhaji Okanlawon Pelaiye, Secretary, IKODASS, Otunba Awofe Afolayan, a film producer, Hon. Salma Ayobami, Council Leader, Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Omotayo Awolesi, Majority Leader, Ikorodu LG, Hon. Gbenga Awobajo, Hon. Olohunwa Oshodi, Hon. Banwo Azeez and Hon. Olowoeyo among others.
