Zion Warriors of Ondo have emerged as the winners of the maiden edition of Bet9ja Ondo State Football League.
Zion Warriors defeated Barrack Eagles of Akure 3-2 on penalties after playing 1-1 in the regulation time.
Seeway FC secured third spot through a walkover as their opponent, Sarajoe FC failed to turn up for the third place match.
The game played at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure on Saturday, saw Zion FC player, Oluwatobi Akinpelumi putting his side ahead in the 38th minute after pouncing on an error by Barrack Eagles defender.
In the 65th minute, Barrack Eagles restored parity through Lewis Omoja after finishing brilliantly from dispossessing the opponents’ skipper in the area.
Barrack Eagles Coach, Damilola Fadeyi said he was happy that his team participated in the final of the competition, but expressed disappointment for not winning the competition.
Fadeyi, who thanked Bet9ja for the competition, appreciated the organisers for providing a level playing ground for all the teams.
Coach Rafiu Oseni of Zion Warriors said he was happy that his team emerged the champion of the Bet9ja Ondo State League.
Oseni attributed the success to the commitment of the team and the coaching crew, adding that he was already looking out for the second edition of the league.
The Chairman, Ondo State Football Association, Otunba Dele Ajayi commended the sponsor, Bet9ja, and the committee in charge of the competition for a job well done.
“The members of the committee have done a good job, I am satisfied and they have done more than 95 per cent.
” This year, outside the Bet9ja, we have Governor’s cup coming up and age-grade competitions,” he said.
Also, Chairman, Ondo State Bet9ja Football League, Mr Yomi Seriki, appreciated all the 69 teams that participated in the competition, noting that the competition had helped to get youths off the streets and reduced vices.
He said the competition had lived up to the expectations.
“We have to thank our sponsors and virtually everybody involved, especially the 69 teams and each team registered 25 players now look at the multiplier effect on society.
“We now have a model, the model that came out successful, so basically, going forward, we are going to build on it.
“So, if we want to organize the second edition, we have the foundation teams we are going to invite and if you want to join the league you will have to fulfil some conditions we put forward and if you don’t meet up, you will not be able to join the league,” he said.
All the teams that participated in the super Eight went home with cash prizes.
Also, spectators were not left behind as one went home with brand new pressing iron and another received a standing fan through a lucky dip after they had picked numbers as the final match started.
