DEBO ADEOYE, IBADAN
The Ibadan City All Stars (ICAS) and University of Ibadan All Stars have both qualified to play in the finals of the VETERANS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP jointly organised by the Ibadan Soccer Ambassadors and Ibadan Football Association (IFA).
The Finals of the championship will be played on Sunday 29 December, 2019 at the OLUBADAN STADIUM, Ibadan by 2pm prompt.
Meanwhile, the third place match is fixed for 1pm at the same venue and date. The two teams competing for third place are Bodija Housing All Stars and Wesley All Stars.
In the semi-finals of the championship were played on Friday 27 December, 2019 at the OLUBADAN STADIUM, ICAS defeated Bodija Housing All Stars by 3 – 2 in a penalty shootout at the first Semi-finals, while the second played between UI All Stars and Wesley All Stars ended in a 2 – 2in regulation time.
However UI All Stars won by 3 – 2 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
Accordingly to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, MR. WASIU RUFAI, who is also the incoming President of the IBADAN SOCCER AMBASSADORS, “the championship is organised as part of the programmes for 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of our great club, Ibadan Soccer Ambassadors.
“The championship afford us great opportunities. It makes for great experience, with the opportunity to keep our togetherness, have a great time and catch fun, remember the old days and also to keep fit always” RUFAI stated
While giving more details on the championship, the secretary of the organising committee, MR. IGBINSOLA SUNDAY confirmed that six teams participated at the group stage of the competition.
In the GROUP A was the Ambassadors Team A, Bodija Housing All Stars and Wesley All Stars while GROUP B has Ambassadors Team B, UI All Stars and Ibadan City All Stars (ICAS).
“Any player below 40 years is not allowed to participate in the championship. It’s a championship strictly organized for veterans, those who no longer play active or professional football, and those who still occasionally get together for a friendly kick-about,” IGBINSOLA stated
“Some of the ex-professionals and Internationals participating in the tournament are Segun Atere, Ademola Kudaisi, Engr. Ayo Adeniji, Director of Works, UI, Barrister Leye Adepoju, former Oyo State FA Chairman, former Chairman, Disciplinary Committee, NFF, Daniel Mende, Musiliu Kola Sanusi, Chief Coach (Football), Oyo State Sports Council,” IGBINSOLA listed.
“Among the personalities expected at the final are Senator Teslim Folarin, Member of the All Progressives Congress, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Politicians, Political Office Holders and Captains of Industries,” Igbinsola concluded.
