Ijapo Ages Stars FC of Akure South Local Government has defeated Royal Goldwin Academy of Ifedore Local Government 4-0 in the opening match of the 2026 Abegunde-Tinubu Champions League Football Competition.
The encounter, played at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, witnessed an impressive display of football artistry from both sides, with Akure South dominating proceedings.
Femi Kolawole was the star of the first half, scoring a hat-trick to put Akure South firmly in control.
Ifedore’s efforts to reduce the deficit proved unsuccessful as Michael Jeremiah led a well-coordinated Akure South defence that kept their opponents at bay, ensuring the first half ended 3-0.
Substitute Nosa Enabulele wasted no time after the restart, extending Akure South’s lead to four goals.
No further goals were scored for the remainder of the encounter as Ijapo Ages Stars secured maximum points from the opening fixture.
The organisers of the competition, organised under the auspices of the Abegunde Football Volunteers in collaboration with the sponsor, Hon. Ifedayo Sunday Abegunde (ABENA), said the competition was designed to take competitive grassroots football to all 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State.
In a statement released by Mr Yusuf Olamide, SA Media to Abegunde, the initiative was not merely about winning a trophy, but about discovering talents, uniting communities and providing young footballers with opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
He said the vision is also to identify talented players from different communities, nurture their abilities and connect them with opportunities that could lead to higher levels of football in Ondo State and beyond.
He added that the competition was also intended to inspire young people and contribute to the restoration of the glory and pride of football in Ondo State.
Also, Akoko North-West FC will be taking on Akoko North-East FC in Ondo North District, while Arogbo Ibe FC of Ese-Odo will face Olofun FC of Irele in Ondo South.
According to the organisers, the 18 participating local governments will compete for places in a final Super Six tournament.
Two teams will qualify from each of the three senatorial districts, producing six teams that will compete in the Super Six to determine the overall winner.
The organisers described the initiative as “one vision, 18 local governments, one champion,” stressing that the ultimate success of the competition would be measured not only by the team that emerges champion but also by the talents discovered, communities united and young lives inspired.
The statement said the Abegunde-Tinubu Champions League was an avenue to use football as a tool for unity, opportunity, development and community building, while helping to identify the next generation of football stars from Ondo State.
Source: Sports Archives – New Telegraph
