The Orekoya Alliance Tournament Season 3 concluded at the Yabatech Main Bowl, Yaba, Lagos, on Sunday, 22nd December 2024, with a series of exhilarating matches that highlighted the passion and skill of grassroots football. The final match saw Somolu Ward E take on Bariga Ward E in an intense battle for the championship.
The remainder of the first half was fiercely contested, with both teams showcasing strong defensive strategies and creating several scoring opportunities. Despite Bariga Ward E’s relentless efforts to equalize, Somolu’s defense held firm, and the first half ended with Somolu Ward E leading 1-0.
As the second half resumed, Bariga Ward E launched a series of aggressive attacks in a frantic effort to equalize. However, their hopes were dashed when Somolu Ward E’s No. 8 player took advantage of a defensive lapse, slotting a second goal past the Bariga goalkeeper and extending Somolu’s lead.
The match concluded with Somolu Ward E securing a 2-0 victory, celebrating their back-to-back wins in the tournament. Segun Daniel and the No. 8 player’s outstanding performances were instrumental in their team’s triumph, earning them accolades from fans and teammates alike.
In the third-place match, Bariga Ward D triumphed over Somolu Ward D in a thrilling encounter that ended 3-1. Bariga Ward D took the lead early, capitalizing on a defensive error from Somolu Ward D to score their first goal. Despite a well-placed equalizer from Somolu Ward D, Bariga Ward D quickly regained their lead with a brilliant team effort that resulted in their second goal.
As the game progressed, Bariga Ward D continued to dominate, sealing their victory with a third goal that left the crowd in awe. Despite Somolu Ward D’s best efforts to mount a comeback, the match concluded with Bariga Ward D celebrating a well-deserved 3-1 win, earning them the third-place trophy in the tournament.
The Orekoya Alliance Tournament Season 3 showcased the talent and determination of grassroots football teams, with Somolu Ward E and Bariga Ward D emerging as the standout teams of the competition.
In his address, the convener of the competition, Hon. Abiodun Abimbola Orekoya said that the essence of the tournament was not only to discourage drug abuse and other social vices in the community but also use the platform to encourage grassroots football talents to achieve their dream goal of becoming world best as far as football is concerned.
“It’s a known fact that we have quite a huge number of young football talents in the community and we believe that hosting a tournament like this will go a long way in helping them achieve their football career and discourage them from engaging in drug abuse and some other social vices”.
“Aside from hosting the tournament, players who performed creditable well in the annual football event will be handed over to one of the Nigeria Premier Football League Clubs; Remo FC youth club for further training and upward promotion”.