The Wale Okediran final was played on Friday 20th of September at Mainbowl, OAU Sports Complex with the Stalwarts coming victorious, winning the tournament for the very first time and the Phoenix losing their last Wale Okediran final.
Dignitaries present at the final included the sponsor of the competition Honorable Wale Okediran and his wife Mrs Okediran, Professor Ajila Deputy vice Chancellor (administration), Prof Benice Adegbehingbe, Dean Faculty of clinical sciences, Prof Agbakwuru, Prof Makinde Dr Adesunkanmi (President, Association of Resident Doctors OAUTHC), Dr Eleruja and Dr Igbokwe.
The match was officited by Lolu Akinteye, assisted by Okunola Timilehin, Osuntoye Sunday and Matthew Temitayo.The match kicked off at about 3:30 pm with both teams looking promising. The Stalwarts soon got control of the game, pressurising their oponents and coming close to scoring twice. The hardwork paid off in the 25th minute when the Stalwarts we’re awarded a free kick at the edge and Japheth the stepped up to convert the set piece which he did beautifully giving the Stalwarts the lead in the first half. In the 31st minute the Phoenix broke on a counter attack after Obaro made a clearance on the edge of the box and Paulo failed to catch the ball as it bounced right in front of him leaving Ope Adeniji to nod in the equalizer. During the stoppage time of the half time, the Stalwarts regained their lead after Sheriff gave a beautiful cross and the Phoenix defense made a poor clearance and the ball ended up in front of Olamide who passed the ball to Hamed who didn’t fail to slot in the shot in between the legs of the Phoenix goalkeeper. The first half ended with the Stalwarts taking the lead into the break.
The second half began and the Phoenix seemed to have gotten their composure, looking stronger and kept the ball in their possession for longer periods than the Stalwarts. The Phoenix were then awarded a penalty after Seen fouled Ife in the box. Obaro stepped up to take the kick and Paulo showed he was up to the task by pushing the ball out for a rebound which Obaro played over the Cross bar. The Stalwarts then broke on a counter attack in the 61st minute and Japheth grabbed his brace slotting in the third goal. In the 84th minute Japheth was shown a second yellow card after delaying the restart of the ball by kicking the ball away after hearing the whistle.
The final whistle was blown and the 2019 Wale Okediran football tournament came to an end. The award of the goalkeeper of the tournament was given to Paulo (Stalwarts) who conceeded only one goal throughout the competition. The award for the top goal scorer went to Hamed (Stalwarts) who found that back of the net 4 times during the course of the tournament. Sheriff (Stalwarts) won the award for the player of the tournament and Folarin the Stalwarts coach went home with the coach of year award.
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