Team Ayeni on Friday evening etched their names into history after winning the inaugural Ikorodu Football Referees Society Chairman’s Cup, producing a spirited comeback victory over a resilient Team Sonibare in a gripping final decided by fine margins, character, and belief.
The five-a-side final, played over two intense halves of 15 minutes each, delivered everything grassroots football represents: passion, pride, unity, and unforgettable drama. In the end, Team Ayeni walked away with the gold medals, the trophy, and the champions’ prize money after overturning a second-half deficit to win in style.
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From kickoff, Team Ayeni showed intent. They dominated possession, pressed aggressively, and created a flurry of chances. However, their early superiority failed to reflect on the scoreboard, largely due to the outstanding performance of Team Sonibare’s goalkeeper, Oladosu Segun, fondly known as Baba Abigail.
Time and again, Baba Abigail denied Team Ayeni’s attackers with sharp reflexes and brave saves, frustrating their prolific striker, Olaniyi Toheeb, who surprisingly missed several clear scoring opportunities. Despite the tempo and intensity, the first half ended goalless, leaving the contest finely poised.
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The second half took a dramatic twist against the run of play. Bakare Gafar struck to put Team Sonibare ahead, sparking celebrations among their supporters and patron. Sensing the momentum shift, Team Sonibare coach, Ayeni Saheed, made quick substitutions in a bid to protect the lead and see out a narrow 1-0 victory.
But the goal seemed to awaken Team Ayeni. With renewed urgency and purpose, they pushed forward relentlessly, attacking from all angles. Their pressure finally paid off in the 22nd minute when Aregbesola Hameed found the equaliser, beating the previously unbeatable Baba Abigail and swinging the momentum decisively.
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As the clock ticked down, belief surged through Team Ayeni’s ranks. Just three minutes from time, Olaniyi Toheeb redeemed his earlier misses by scoring the winning goal. It was his sixth of the tournament, confirming his status as the highest goalscorer and delivering the decisive moment of the final.
Team Sonibare fought valiantly in search of a late equaliser, but their efforts were halted by disciplined defending and the final whistle from match officials Olabiyi Yomi and Adewebi Cletus, who brought the pulsating encounter to a close.
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Speaking after the match, the Patron of Team Sonibare struck a gracious tone despite the disappointment. He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, praised his team’s effort, and commended the Ikorodu Football Referees Society for successfully organizing the tournament. He confidently declared that his team would return stronger in the next edition.
The victorious camp was filled with emotion and pride. Mr Saheed Ayeni, a retired FIFA referee and leader of Team Ayeni, thanked Almighty God for the triumph and applauded his players for their resilience, especially after conceding early in the second half. He emphasized that beyond the trophy, the tournament achieved its primary purpose of strengthening unity within the Society.
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The visionary behind the competition and Chairman of the Ikorodu Football Referees Society, Mr Ayeni Ridwanulah, delivered a heartfelt address that captured the essence of the event. He described the Chairman’s Super 4 Cup Final and Society Get Together as a celebration of unity, brotherhood, and collective progress.
According to him, the quality of football, spirit of sportsmanship, and strong attendance from elders, patrons, invited guests, and members reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to growth and harmony. He expressed appreciation to the Royal Life Patron, grand patrons, sponsors, elders, planning committee, executives, and members whose contributions ensured the tournament’s success.
He further stressed that the competition represents more than just silverware. It serves as a platform for mentorship, bonding, and excellence among referees, with a promise to make future editions even bigger and better.
Royal presence added colour and prestige to the occasion as the Kabiyesi of Apapa Kingdom and Royal Life Patron of the Society, Oba Moroofdeen Oyekunle Oluwa, personally decorated the winners. Team captain Jokogbola Olanshile, visibly emotional, expressed gratitude to Almighty God, the Society’s leadership, and elders for the opportunity to be part of history by lifting the inaugural trophy.
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As the curtain falls on a memorable first edition, the Ikorodu Football Referees Society Chairman’s Cup stands as a shining example of how grassroots football can unite, inspire, and create lasting memories. All eyes now turn to next year, with expectations already soaring.
