Faleti Kehinde
It was a thrilling and action-packed evening at U.A.M.C (Eleja) Primary School, Igbogbo on Friday, when Ifeoluwa FC battled Agunfoye FC in the first semi – final in the 2025 Adeboruwa Cup. Ifeoluwa FC after an intense game defeated its opponent 4 – 3 after a penalty shootout.
The thrilling encounter which attracted a large crowd of football fans and residents ended 1 – 1 at the regulation time
The game started with high intensity as Agunfoye FC drew first blood just six minutes after kickoff, thanks to a sharp finish from Ibrahim Shokunmi, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to give his team an early lead. The goal sparked celebrations from the Agunfoye fans and set the tone for a fiercely contested match.
Both teams displayed strong determination and attacking flair throughout the first half. The Agunfoye goalkeeper stood out with several spectacular saves, denying Ifeoluwa FC multiple chances to equalise with any goal. However, the game took a worrying turn when an Agunfoye player suffered a serious injury midway through the second half and had to be substituted immediately — a moment that slowed the team’s rhythm.
As the match progressed, Ifeoluwa FC kept pressing and finally found their breakthrough in the 80 minutes when Abu Yusuf rose high to meet a cross with a powerful header, leveling the score at 1–1 to the delight of their supporters.
The tension continued to rise, with both teams receiving three yellow cards each for rough tackles and heated moments. With no winner after regulation time, the game went into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Ifeoluwa FC held their nerve and triumphed 4–3, knocking out Agunfoye FC to secure their place in the much-anticipated Adeboruwa Cup 2025 Final.
It was truly a wonderful match, full of drama, skill, and emotion — one that left fans eager for what promises to be an exciting grand finale.
Ibrahim Shokunmi, a right-wing player with Agunfoye FC, said that his team almost lost the match despite scoring first.
“It was crazy match, I felt that we lost the game because we were not cautious enough. We were leading 1-0 towards the end of the game and we’re not playing to defend.
“When we were ahead, we felt so relax which we were not meant to. We were not defending our goal post, which brought so much pressure on us and that led to an equaliser,” he said.
Another player, Abu Yusuf expressing his excitement, said that his team’s qualification has provided another opportunity for final.
”I feel excited. I’m very happy because we came to play this competition three years ago when we got into the final. We are into another final this year.
“Our fans should be expecting victory from us in the finals. Our aim is to win the final and emerge the 2025 Adeboruwa champions”
The second semi final match comes up today at the same venue.
