The 2nd edition of the Eredo LCDA Chairman’s Cup exploded into action today with a flurry of goals as Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Hon. Ismail Akinloye, officially flagged off the community football tournament.
The opening matches, held at St. Patrick’s Secondary Grammar School, Eredo, treated football lovers to a thrilling spectacle. Defending champions, Egiri United picked up right where they left off last season, ruthlessly putting four goals past a struggling Igbonla FC. In the second fixture of the day, Ilara FC stunned Omola, home community of the Chairman, with a 3-1 victory that kept spectators buzzing.
With the festive season drawing near, the ambience around the field was lively and colourful. Families, youth groups, community leaders, football enthusiasts, and excited children poured into the venue, cheering loudly and creating the unmistakable rhythm of end-of-year camaraderie.
Speaking after the opening ceremony, the Executive Chairman, represented by his Vice Chairman, Hon. Adesanya Lateef, explained the inspiration behind sustaining the football initiative.
“The programme was invented last year and because of how well the people of Eredo embraced it, the Chairman decided to make it an annual event,” he said. “It keeps young people focused on their goals and promotes unity across our communities.”
He added that the Unity Cup is designed to foster relationships, not rivalry. “The youth should not see this as a ‘do-or-die’ affair. It is to keep them engaged positively and away from social vices.”
On the integrity of officiating, Adesanya expressed confidence in the match officials.
“From what I’ve observed, there is transparency and sincerity in the matches. Football is unpredictable, so I cannot say who will win, but the coaches and referees are fair,” he noted.
Pressed to reveal his preferred team, the Vice Chairman laughed it off, insisting it would be premature to pick favourites. He, however, pledged the council’s full support for whichever team lifts the trophy.
With such an electric start, the road to the finals promises even more excitement as Eredo’s communities rally behind their teams in the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and seasonal joy.
