The remaining 2 matches of the first round for the football event of the ongoing Ikeja Games powered by Rt. Hon James Abiodun Faleke in partnership with the National Institute for Sports, NIS, played on Sunday at the Opebi Primary School to conclude the round
The 4th game pairing of Onilekere Boys representing Ward D and their Ward J opponent representing Opebi/Allen the host community of the match ended 1-1 after regulation
Onilekere Team won the mandatory penalty shootout by 5 goals to 4
Before the kickoff of the 5th and final game of the first round, the Chairman Main Organizing Committee, Barr. Bayo Ayo did the ceremonial kickoff.
Barr Ayo urged the players to be disciplined and obey the officials’ calls and enjoy the game.
He further stated that RT. Hon James Faleke has partnered with the NIS so as to ensure the youths of the Ikeja Federal Constituency get the best of sports development.
The 5th and final game pairing lived up to expectations as the Ikeja Allstars of Ward E Seriki-Aro/Ipodo/Alade areas of Ikeja and their opponent from GRA/Police Barracks of Ward I, entertained and thrilled fans and spectators at the venue with beautiful football artistries by both teams.
The Ward I boys broke the deadlock 3 minutes before halftime through a set-piece effort by Timothy that beat Ebuka Enock in goal for the Seriki-Aro/Ipodo boys.
However, Ward I boys pulled the chestnuts out of the fire for their Ward E opponent after their defender handled Christian Nwoke’s cross in the 18-yard box for a penalty.
Fatai Omolabake calmly converted the resultant penalty for a well-deserved equalizer for the National Five Aside Champions at the dead of time.
Ward E won the penalty shootout by 12 goals to 11 during the sudden death after both sides converted 4 goals each of the first 5 mandatory penalties, with Ebuka making a daring safe to keep hope alive for the ward E lads after Fatai shoot their first kick over the crossbar.
Five teams, Ward B, F, C, D, and E already guaranteed their passages to the quarterfinals while 3 best losers will be decided by the technical committee to make up the 8 teams for the quarterfinal pairings.
Draws for the quarterfinal pairings will be made during the week.
