Bense FC have emerged champions of the Iya Meta Food Canteen 6-a-side Football Competition after defeating Olive All-Star FC 1-0 in the grand finale held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The keenly contested final was played at Olive Primary School, Bodija, Ibadan, on Thursday, with Bense FC securing the decisive victory to lift the championship trophy.
The competition, organised by Opadeji Ridwan Abiola, popularly known as Paradise, featured 16 teams drawn from different communities as part of efforts to promote grassroots football, community engagement and the discovery of sporting talents.
Bense FC progressed through the various stages of the competition before booking their place in the final against Olive All-Star FC.
The victory earned Bense FC the top prize of N250,000, while Olive All-Star FC received N150,000 as runners-up. The third-placed team was also rewarded with N100,000.
The final attracted notable personalities and community leaders, who gathered to support the players and encourage grassroots sports development.
Among those present were Hon. Sukanmi Babalola; lawmaker representing Egbeda State Constituency was represented, Hon. Seun Olufade; Chairman Ibadan North LG was represented; Alhaji Mustapha Azeez, popularly known as Baba Loja Sango; Hon. Steven Adeyoju; Alhaji Naheem Adekunle of BasNaj Autos; Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi; Hon. Farouq Arisekola; Chief Abubakar Abdulhamid; and Alhaji (Dr.) Mallam Haruna Maiyasin Katsina, CON.
Meanwhile, this publication understands that the competition was designed not only to provide an avenue for young footballers to showcase their talents but also to foster friendship, unity and community engagement through sports.
