An-Nur Model College were crowned champions of the third edition of Ajara U-17 Football Competition after defeating bitter rivals Salvation Army Grammar School through penalties following a goal a piece after regulation time.
Football enthusiasts and schools thronged enmass the venue of the event, filled with excitement and vigor, etched with Ajara Humanitarian loving symbols. Osogbo Township Stadium which played host to the memorable grand finale truly showcased the unwavering commitments of Ajara Humanitarian Foundation's resilience in providing the atmosphere of success to young lads in Osun State.
In a thrilling and entertaining final, it was a brisk game from the very start, both teams played with vigour and enthusiasm. Football fans didn't stop echoing their sentiments for their preferred team as the two sides played with caution at the rear. The brilliant moment finally came as Sulaimon Roqeeb broke the deadlock sending An-Nur fans to wild jubilation.
Salvation Army would later restored parity with class through pacy forward, Rasaq Oreoluwa. The balance officiated game would later ended 1-1 as Ilobu based side earned their deserved victory through lottery of penalties.
The Executive Director of Ajara Humanitarian Foundation, Alhaji Dr. Bayo Jimoh re-echoed the mission statements of the foundation, which was set up to create a worthwhile future for young Nigerians, he particularly was full of praise to legendary and visionary Pillar of the Foundation, Dr. Lanre Jimoh.
The elated Giwa Adini of Osogbo land lauded the commitments and enthusiasm of technical partners, Ilaji Football Club and other notable sponsors like, Mr Gbenga Agboola, CEO Flutterwave Ltd., Seyi Akinwale, Founder, Special Foundation, Mr Ademola Balogun, Chairman of Dembal Generators and Dr Adegboyega Oduola.
Other eminent guests at the grand finale include, Hon. Olagunju Moshood Olalekan, commissioner for youth affairs, Araba of Osogbo land, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, Osun State Football Associations, Osun State Sports Council, School Principals, Coaches, Referees, Sports Writers amongst others.
Champions, An-Nur Model College Ilobu received cash price of One Million Naira with coveted trophy, jersey and balls while second place Salvation Army took the cash price of five hundred thousand naira with trophy, jerseys and ball, third place, Sodeeq Adeleke smiled home with three hundred and fifty thousand naira in addition to branded balls, customised jerseys and education materials.
The foundation extended hand of fellowship to all participating schools with the distribution of education materials and branded balls. An-Nur Model College also scooped individual honors like, Highest Goal Scorer (Azeez Mustapha), Most Valuable Player (Oladapo Idris), Best Goalkeeper (Ibrahim Fawaz), Best Coach (Raji Idowu) as Best Behaved Team goes to Prime College Osogbo.