OCC Odi Olowo Chairman's Cup: thrills and Chills as tourney closes with intriguing showdowns

The just concluded OCC Odi Olowo Chairman's Cup season 4.0 wasn't short of intriguing clashes on the final match day, exemplifying the incredible competitive spirit among participating teams who made it to the grand finale, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

Cat Ladies against Ayisat Yusuf Academy produced nerve wrecking moments after both teams battled to a goalless draw in the regulation time with the tie decided by a penalty shootout.

With a total of 14 spot kicks, Ayisat Yusuf Academy came out top all thanks to Lawal Basirat's heroics which received much applause from the cheering crowd.

Amidst galore and teeming dignitaries who graced the occasion, Ghetto Tigers FC snatched a resounding 3-0 victory against Ajibade FA at the Femi Gbajabiamila, Abati Barracks stadium to cap off a beautiful evening as teams who emerged victorious in different categories alongside standout players were rewarded for their performances.

Speaking after the event, Seyi Jakande, vice chairman of Odi-olowo Ojuwoye LCDA remarked on the success of the tourney while also re-addressing commitment to grassroots development.

"What we witnessed at the grand finale is is a very exciting game of football. The success is as a result of the strong passion that the executive chairman Hon. Rasak Ajala has. Not only for sport but for youth empowerment and you will all agree with me that the competition from season 1 down to season 4 has seen a lot of development".

"Through sport, we are ready to divert the energy of our youth from any form of negativity to where we will convert the energy into something useful and put them in a kind of atmosphere where their talents can be discovered", he buttressed.

Clarifying further, he posited that in order to discover the best of talents, they made sure that the competition is not only competitive but very fair in terms of officiating. The best of the best have emerged out of the competition in various categories.

"All the players in this competition through the intervention program has been supported in the best possible way and that's why you have seen some of them sponsored to the Gothia Cup in Sweden, and one of the player is currently out of the country. This is a competition that discover and develop talents of young people and obviously help in putting their energy into a positive engagement", he concluded.

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola