Odokoro Football Club has lifted the 2024 Kayode Durotiwon Foundation trophy after defeating the Aiyegunle Gbede FC in the thrilling final match of the competition.
The finals of the competition played at the Okoro-Gbede High School Field, in Ijumu local government area of Kogi state, saw Odokoro FC scoring three goals to defeat Aiyegunle Gbede Football Club in a match that saw the Aiyegunle Gbede side wasting a penalty during the encounter.
The Founder of the Foundation, Mr. Kayode Daniel Durotiwon, popularly known as DanKay, said the competition is a way of giving back to the society, stressing that all teams that took part in the competition will be rewarded.
Mr. Durotiwon noted that football has been playing a critical role in bringing the people together, explaining that it has also become a viable tool for engaging the youth in profitable ventures.
“Today, football is used to bring peace to troubled nations of the world because it is one thing that everyone enjoys viewing – both old, young, male and the female ones
“The Kayode Durotiwon Foundation Football Competition which started eight years ago is aimed at bringing love and unity among dwellers in communities across Gbede and to also encourage the young ones who takes into football.
“We are already seeing stars among the players and we are pleased because no one knows what the future holds. We may be breeding the next world football stars through this tournament, so we are committed to ensuring it succeeds all the time.
“I am pleased with the turn up of the people and the players and it is my prayer that God will continue to provide for us to touch more lives positively,” he said.
He advised the players to sustain their passion for the round leather games as it has become lucrative rather than being for exercise purposes.
The Sports Coordinator of the Foundation, Opeyemi Durotiwon Joshua and the Competition Coordinator, Kolade Durotiwon, described the gesture of the organizer as commendable, saying that the competition has been a great source of encouragement to talented young footballers across communities in Gbede land.
They encouraged him to sustain the competition as he has written his name in gold in the hearts of the people, especially the young ones whose lives are being transformed via the yearly competition.
Also speaking, a friend of the organizer, Ayodele Moses, expressed joy over the commitment of his friend to the organization of the competition, pointing out that it has been a blessing to the youth in the Area.
The Match Commissioner, Engr. Michael Obanewo, represented by Oluyomi Simon Olushola, commended the organizer for his tireless efforts at ensuring the competition succeeds, describing the competition as one that has been bringing unity among the youth in the community.
Highlights of the finals of the competition was the presentation of trophies to the winner, first and second runners up, medals to players and officials, cash, and rice to the elderly ones who graced the event.
Best Player of the Match – Lagon of Aiyegunle Gbede Football Club; Best Keeper – Ibrahim of Odokoro FC; Best Defender – Dayo of same team, and Highest Goal Scorer – Merit, were rewarded accordingly.
Members of the Foundation also presented a cake to the Founder of the Foundation ahead of his birthday celebration coming up on 7th January, 2025.
