The inaugural edition of the Offa Preseason Football Tournament concluded in grand style today, with Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC Ilorin claiming a decisive 2-0 victory over Offa FC at Offa Township Stadium, Offa, Kwara State.
This much-anticipated finale capped a week of intense competition and camaraderie that commitment to nurturing grassroots football talent.
The third-place spot went to AbraySports FC, whose commendable performance throughout the tournament showcased their resilience and potential.
Individual Awards and Recognition
The tournament also honored individual brilliance. The Best Goalkeeper award went to ABS Ilorin FC, whose defensive prowess played a crucial role in their title win. Offa FC’s Muiz Ibrahim was named Best Player of the Tournament, while AbraySports’ Mujeeb Atoyebi clinched the Golden Boot with three goals to his name.
True to its promise, the Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode (MOK) Foundation fulfilled its financial pledges to the winners, awarding ₦500,000 to ABS Ilorin FC as champions, ₦300,000 to Offa FC as runners-up, and ₦200,000 to AbraySports FC for their third-place finish.
The tournament trophy, a symbol of pride and excellence, was donated by Alhaji Muri Mustapha, CEO of MM Oil and Gas, whose contribution added prestige to the event.
The tournament kicked off on November 24, 2024, featuring nine teams competing in a display of skill and sportsmanship. The opening match, a goalless draw between Offa FC and ABS Ilorin FC, set the tone for a week of thrilling football action.
The event not only served as a platform for showcasing football talent but also fostered unity and community spirit among participants and spectators alike.
The grand finale attracted a host of prominent figures who lent their support to the initiative. Notable attendees included:
Mudashiru Akeem Olatunji, Secretary of the Offa Descendants Union (Home Branch), representing the ODU Home Branch Chairman, Chief Lanre Shittu; Honourable Idris Abdullahi Musa, Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association; Alhaji Sulaiman Olatunji Laaro Omituntun, Chairman of Offa Local Government; Alhaji Abdulrazaq Owolabi Wopa, Chairman of the Ilorin West and Ilorin Emirate Football Councils; Abdullahi Yusuf, Chairman of AbraySports FC and the Kwara Chapter of the Nationwide League One (NLO) among other dignitaries.
The Offa Preseason Football Tournament, in its first edition, has already proven to be a resounding success. It serves as a testament to Kwara’s rich footballing heritage and its commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
As the curtain falls on this year’s tournament, the local football community looks forward to future editions, with the hope of discovering more stars and fostering greater unity through the beautiful game.
Organized by Titan Global Sports International under the leadership of its CEO, Azeez Oyeyemi Olanrewaju Omoluabi, the event runs from November 24 to 29, 2024, and celebrates the growing football culture in the region.
