I see more Egba players in NNL/NPFL, says Abeokuta Allstars President, as he becomes Egba NNL/NPFL Professionals' Patron

By Yusuf Olatunji 

It was football artistry at its best on Saturday 24th June, 2023 at the training pitch of the MKO Abiola Intl. Stadium in Abeokuta, when the home team Oluwole FC of Abeokuta took on the "Egba NNL/NPFL/NLO Professionals" for the end of the season get-together friendly match, first of its kind with fanfare and peagentry.

The match was watched by a mammoth of fans and spectators alike, amongst whom was the newly decorated Patron of the Egba NNL/NPFL Professionals, Alhaji Lawal Adeoye Waheed who is also the President, Allstars Football Club Abeokuta, Patron of Nigeria Football Supporters' Club, Ogun State Chapter. Chairman of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, (YSFON) Ogun State Chapter. Patron, Ogun State Athletics Association.  Chairman, Chairman Ogun State PFAN. Chairman, Ogun State Teqball Association and Ogun State Coordinator of Community Football Foundation.

Speaking after the match which ended 1-nill in favour of the NNL/NPFL/NLO Professionals, Alhaji Lawal admonished the players on both sides, especially the upcoming ones not to relent on their efforts in order to attain the highest level they desired for themselves,he said "my expectations is to see more of Egba Players in the Nigeria National League (NLL) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and if the Oluwole boys, a team playing in the State League can hold the Professionals except for some tactical prowess from the big boys, I see many more of the home boys fixturing in the big Leagues  soon and some of them even moving abroad to continue playing their trade"

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The Patron of the Ogun State Athletics Association and Chairman of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria,PFAN Ogun State Chapter continues, "they should keep up the spirit as they intensify their trainings and they should put in mind that if a player wants to be above average, that player must be ready to do extra, the Coach would only train the team together, an above-average player must design programs on his own and do more"

Also speaking, Captain of the NNL/NPFL Allstars, Jamiu Sanni Pawpaw who is also the Skipper of the Ogun State-owned National League outfit, Gateway United said he felt very elated playing the match, that they organised the game just to felicitate, wine and dine together after a hectic season in the League, he charged the upcoming players to put all efforts in the game with assurances that the sky would be the limit. He prayed to see more players of Egba descent turn professionals. 

Elkanemi Warriors of Maiduguri's Goaltender, Sheriff Kehinde who was in goal for the "big boys" said they all started the game of football together as rookies, some are only privileged to be playing at a higher level now, he said the upcoming ones should never be discouraged, that there are many talented Footballers in the State, they should only work hard on their talents and pray for God's grace.

The only goal of the match came off the boots of Smart City FC of Lagos' attacking Midfielder, Kareem Yusuf, also in the lineup was his teammate, Fatai Odumbaku, others include, Olamilekan Abdusalam and Kabiru Popoola both of Vandrezzer FC, Gateway Utd Football club's right-back, Sulaimon 'Soccer' Ogunleye and mercurial Midfielder Sunkanmi Odusina were amongst many others in d match.

The team was coached by another Egba Legend, former 3SC of Ibadan Skipper and Coach of Abeokuta Stormers SC, Shakiru Lawal who was also decorated as the Professionals' Coach.