Chinedu Okafor
The FUOYE Dazzlers have made a remarkable impact despite being debutant in the Ekiti State Football League (ESFL), finishing as first runner-up after a hard-fought battle against Jaydyn FC in the finals.
The match, held on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, culminated in a penalty shoot-out where the Dazzlers narrowly lost 4-2 to Jaydyn FC.
The Dazzlers had shown exceptional form throughout the league, breezing through the preliminary stages with victories over Harmony FC, Golden FC, and Olukismet.
However, their dominant performance secured them a place in the round of 8, which was grouped into two pools with FUOYE Dazzlers leading their group to advance to the finals.
The final match saw Jaydyn FC taken an early lead with a goal in the 15th minute, putting the Dazzlers on the back foot.
But FUOYE Dazzlers responded swiftly, equalizing in the 22nd minute, setting the stage for an intense and captivating encounter.
Both teams fought valiantly for the remainder of the match, but after 90 minutes, the score remained tied, leading to a penalty shoot-out.
In the tense penalty shoot-out, Jaydyn FC edged out the Dazzlers with a 4-2 victory, claiming the league title.
Despite the loss, the Dazzlers’ performance was widely applauded, making them as one of the most formidable teams in the competition.
Their journey to the finals was a testament to their skill, teamwork and determination.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Football League, now in its third season, has grown into a significant platform for grassroots football development in the state.
This year’s competition was particularly notable for the increase in participation, with 36 teams competing, up from 20 teams last year.
The league has been instrumental in discovering and nurturing local football talent, many of who had progressed to higher levels of competition.
Speaking after the match, FUOYE’s Director of Sports, Mr. Chris Obajaja, praised the team’s effort and resilience throughout the tournament.
He, however, acknowledged the disappointment of the final loss but emphasized the need to focus on future challenges.
Obajaja said: “Our boys gave their best, and although we didn’t win the title, their performance has set a high standard.
” We are now setting our sights on the upcoming FASU games.”
The Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) games, scheduled to take place from September 19 to 29, 2024, in Lagos, will be the next major challenge for the Dazzlers.
The event, being hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Lagos State University (LASU), will bring together top university teams from across the continent, all vying for the coveted soccer glory.
Meanwhile, FUOYE Dazzlers’ head coach, Blessing Ayodeji Ojo, expressed confidence in his team’s prospects at FASU.
He noted that the experience gained from the ESFL would be invaluable as they prepare for the continental competition.
Ojo said: “We’ve learned a lot from this league, and we’ll use these lessons to refine our strategy and performance for the FASU games.”
As the Dazzlers gear up for the 12th edition of the FASU games, their focus is on clinching the gold medal.
In recognition of their impressive performance, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, hosted the team in his office, where he commended the players for their outstanding achievement, particularly as debutants and underdogs in the competition.
He announced that the team would receive financial rewards for their efforts and urged them to secure victory at the upcoming FASU games to bring further glory to the university.
Reflecting on his own experience as a student-athlete, Professor Fasina emphasized that sports were a crucial aspect of personal development, contributing to a balanced physical and mental state of well-being.
The city of Ado-Ekiti, which played host to the ESFL finals, celebrated this significant sporting event with great enthusiasm.
The tournament has further solidified the city’s reputation as a hub for football in Ekiti State, and the Dazzlers’ success had added to the city’s growing football legacy.
photo credit: John Salami
