Kunle Adelabu
It was a remarkable weekend of football actions as finalists emerged in the AMA U-18 Star Youth Football Championship and the AMA Women Unity Football Championship, after exciting games in the respective semi -final matches of both soccer competitions.
While Fawole FC from Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, and Palm Avenue FC from Ijede LCDA, qualified for the final game of the 3rd edition of AMA U 18, Araromi Ladies FC from Imota LCDA and Elepe Ladies FC from Igbogbo/Baiyeku, also qualified for the final of the first edition of AMA Female championship.
The finals of the tournaments will be staged on the same day as that of the much-anticipated AMA All-Stars Unity Football Championship, which is set to kick off soon. The three championships are initiated and sponsored by Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), member, Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Ikorodu Constituency II.
This unprecedented football festival will bring together outstanding youth talents, elite women’s footballers, and experienced All-Stars in one spectacular celebration of football, unity, sportsmanship, and community development.
The semi-finals played at Elepe Secondary School Playing Ground, along Ijede Road, Igbogbo, delivered high-quality football, dramatic penalty shootouts, outstanding individual performances, and an atmosphere that, once again, demonstrated the immense football talent within the constituency.
The youth competition lived up to expectations as all four semi-finalists displayed determination, tactical discipline, and exceptional skill. The first semi-final game between Ogunlewe FC and Fawole FC produced a fiercely contest that ended 1–1 after regulation time.
Both teams attacked with purpose and defended resolutely, leaving supporters on the edge of their seats. With no winner after 90 minutes of regulation time, the tie was decided by penalty shootouts which Fawole FC won 6–5, earning the first ticket to the grand final after one of the tournament’s most dramatic encounters.
The second semi-final was equally entertaining as Palm Avenue FC and Oriokuta FC also played out 1–1 after the regulation time. The encounter was filled with exciting attacking moves, disciplined defending, and moments of individual brilliance.
Once again, penalty shootouts were required to separate the two sides, with Palm Avenue FC defeated their opponents 3–4 winners in to secure the second place in the championship final.
The semi -final matches of the maiden female championship at the Elepe Secondary School Playing Ground, were also highly competitive. In the opening semi-final, Araromi Ladies FC produced a commanding performance to record a convincing 2–0 victory over Igbopa Ladies FC, while Elepe Ladies FC continued their impressive run with another outstanding display, defeating Bashorun Ladies FC 2–0, in the second semi -final.
With the three finals billed to hold on same historic day, football lovers across Ikorodu Constituency II, can look forward to an unforgettable sporting spectacle that reflects the enduring commitment of Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikorodu Constituency II, to youth empowerment, grassroots sports development, talent discovery, and community unity.
The countdown to the grand finals has officially begun, as the stage is now set for champions to be crowned.
