The under-13 football match between Segun Odegbami Football Academy Club and JOF All Stars Club kicked off at 12:48 pm.
The JOF All Stars Club scored the opening goal in the 19th minute through striker Marvellous Gavor (Jersey 14) with a stunning volleyball shot. Both teams created numerous scoring chances, showcasing the goalkeepers’ exceptional skills.
The match remained intense, with pressure mounting on the central midfield, disorganizing the host team. This high level of competition continued until the end of the first half.
In the second half, the host team, Odegbami Football Academy Club, equalized in the 67th minute through captain Yusuf Bello (Jersey 28) with a display of impressive speed, mental toughness, and technical skill.
The match ended 1-1 at 1:49 pm, showcasing the promising talents of both teams and the fair officiating of referee Mr. Samson Asidi.
The second leg of the match is expected to attract both club proprietors, Dr. Olusegun Olugboyegun of JOF Nigeria Limited and Chief Segun Odegbami, the renowned African footballer and analyst, as well as their families, friends, associates, and football enthusiasts.
In a post-match review, Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji, Managing Director of the Transport Division at JOF Nigeria Limited, praised the highly competitive nature of the game, noting that the skills displayed by both teams were of a higher grade than their age would suggest.
He added that the boys have a bright future ahead of them if they continue to train together.
Coach Dennis Owumi of Segun Odegbami Football Academy commented, “Both teams played a quality game, which was very interesting and encouraging.
“My boys came into the game jittery, which affected their performance and led to a cheap goal due to a breakdown in the midfield, where our opponents’ strength lies. We came into the second half with much determination and desire to play well. I instructed my boys to disorganize their midfield, which happened, and it cost them a corner kick, which we capitalized on to equalize.
“My boys are looking to up their game when we play the return match in Lagos soon.”
He rated the match as interesting and impressive for the age group of the players.
