Jare Olukotun & Austin Onah (SIWES Student)
After weeks of intense football actions with 62 matches played at the U.A.M.C (Eleja) Primary School, Igbogbo, two teams that will play in the 2025 Adeboruwa Cup final, slated for Wednesday, November 26, 2025, have emerged.
Baba Ode FC the team which defeated Back of Model FC 8 – 7 in a penalty shootout after playing goalless draw at the regulation time has now joined Ifeoluwa FC, which qualified on Friday in the finals.
32 teams entered for this year’s tournament which aimed to promote unity, peace and cooperation among youths and communities in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA. The tournament is also an avenue to develop and detect talents.
The second semi – final clash between Back of Model FC and Baba Ode FC, was a tightly contested battle between two determined sides. Both teams displayed strong defensive organisation and goalkeeping brilliance, leading to a goalless 0–0 draw at full time.
The match was not short of intensity, as Baba Ode FC picked up three yellow cards in the course of the game, showing just how fiercely they fought to stay in contention. Both goalkeepers were outstanding, pulling off several crucial saves to keep their teams alive through regulation time.
With no goals separating the sides, the game advanced to penalties — and that was where the tension reached its peak. In a thrilling shootout, Baba Ode FC triumphed 8–7 after a nerve-wracking series of spot kicks, booking their ticket to the grand finale of the Adeboruwa Cup 2025.
Among the dignitaries present at the match was Engr. John Edela, the Baba Ode C.D.A Chairman, who commended both teams for their discipline, sportsmanship, and entertaining display of football.
It was indeed a wonderful encounter that left spectators thrilled and eager for what promises to be an exciting final in this year’s Adeboruwa Cup.
Azeez Latif Taiwo, captain of Back of Model FC, in a post -match interview took the loss as a true sportsman.
“It’s a game of winning or losing, and besides, it’s not a loss — we just have to learn from our mistakes.
“We’ll try our best, and God will do the rest. I believe we will win,” he said when asked about what his team’s fans should expect in the third -place match.
In another post – match chat with the captain of Baba Ode FC, Olarewaju Sayyyid, he said he is proud of his team’s qualification for the final of the tournament for the first time.
“I feel so exhausted because this is the first time my team will reach the final of the Adeboruwa Cup. It’s also my first tournament as team captain, and I’m proud that we made it to the finals.
“By God’s grace, we pray to win the final match because we really need it and we deserve it. We’ve faced many strong teams and managed to knock them out — it’s God that did it for us, and we thank Him for that.”
