Oyo 3 Ekiti 1: GCI win the maiden SWHF U-16 Tournament

The Government College Ibadan has emerged as the champions of the maiden South West Hockey Foundation Tournament after securing a 3-1 victory against Ado Ekiti Grammer school, Ekiti in the final played at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Saturday.

Ado Ekiti Grammer school took the lead in the second quarter after holding GCI to a goalless draw in the first quarter. For the first time in three years, GCI had to come back from a goal down in any game.

Not long after they conceded the goal, they roared back into the game after a well-ejected penalty corner was converted by Tolu Odedokun.

It became two just minutes after they scored the first and then the third came in to settle the nervy tie.

The final lived up to its billing as both teams who got to the finals undefeated gave their all to remain undefeated but it was the GCI team who took the day to the delight of the home crowd.

On Saturday, Okemagba Junior High School Epe, Lagos State defeated St. Mark Commercial School, Oshogbo, Osun State 2-0 to claim the Bronze medal.

Highest Goalscorer: David Ademola (Government College Ibadan, Oyo State) 8 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Idowu Fatihu (St. Mark Commercial Oshogbo, Osun State)
Best Left Half Back: Olanipekun Kehinde (Ado Ekiti Grammer School, Ekiti State)
Fair Play Award: (Aquinas College, Ondo State)
Young Player: Ajayi Opeyemi (Ado Ekiti Grammer School, Ekiti State)
Most Valuable Player: Olaitan Abdulrazaq (Okemagba Junior High School Epe, Lagos State)

Amongst the dignitaries who were present on Saturday were Engr. Folarin Olujembola (The SWHF president), Mr Gboyega Makinde (Oyo State Sports Council General Manager), Mr Lawal (Oyo State Sports Council Dir. Admin and Supply), Mr Yemi Abiodun (HCD ball games), Mr Leye Akintunde (Senior Organiser), Mr Adeleke (Oyo State Sports Council PRO) and Pastor S.O. Oladele (the former principal of GCI).

By: Tope Adefala