BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
Orile/Coker Archdeaconry football team coach, Ihenacho Chuks said he has taken the responsibility following scandalous defeat his team suffered in the final of Lagos Mainland Diocese football tournament.
Defending champions, Orile/Coker Archdeaconry football team were battered by Ikate Archdeaconry football team 4-1 recently at the FIFA legacy pitch of National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Chuks while chatting with our correspondent admitted that his team were not at their best saying that his opponents were more prepared and deserved to be crowned as new champions of the tournament.
“I don’t want to blame anybody for now.We came into the final to retain our title unfortunately we lost it.Our opponents were better prepared and they deserved to be a champions.
“I congratulate Ikate for the job well done and i also commend my boys for their effort but like i said before we met a solid and better team in the final,”he said.
Ikate coach, Hotonu Abisoye said the victory was well deserved saying that his boys played to coach instructions.
“Our tactical changes in the course of the game turned table around.And i must commend my boys for playing to instructions.This is a victory that would motivate us to retain the title in the next edition,”he said.
It was a mixed feelings for fans of Ikate Archdeaconry football team as their U-17 lost 2-4 on penalties to Mushin Archdeaconry football team in the junior final after 2-2 at the regulation time.
In the final presentation, Dolapo Jinadu won highest goal scorer with nine goals, while Olamide Ina emerged as best goal keeper as Kingsley Unauna emerged as most valuable player of the tournament.
Meanwhile the long weeks tournament is being sponsored by Rt Rev B. C. Akinpelu Johnson, Diocesan Bishop, Diocese of Lagos Mainland in conjunction with Stationery Stores FC.
Rt Rev B.C Akinpelu Johnson expressed appreciation to Chairman of Stationery Stores FC, Tilewa Adebajo for his finacial and moral support given the organising commiittee throughout the tournament.
Speaking at the event,Director of Youth, Rev. Canon Mathew Ogu and the Local Organising Committee headed by Adeoti Olusanjo expressed gratitude to God for the success of the tournament and congratulated the winners in various categories for the job well done.