Ilaji Football Club has emerged the champion of the 2024 Oyo State Football Association Cup after defeating Shooting Stars (3SC) in the Final.
The game, which was played at the main bowl of Lekan Salami Sports Complex, saw the NLO side winning its first ever FA Cup in the state after both teams had played a 3-3 draw at the regulation time.
The win by Ilaji FC, formed in 2017, put smiles on the faces of the entire team and its supporters as a sweet revenge for the 0-1 it suffered in the hands of the Oluyole soccer lords in the 2023 edition.
Shooting Stars had opened the scoring through Pepo in the 14th minute while Babalola Okikiola equalized for the coach Babatunde Odubola boys in the 30th minute. Okikiola got his second goal 2 minutes later to give Ilaji FC the lead as the first half ended 2-1. Shooting Stars captain Taofeek Malomo equalized for the Oluyole Warriors in the 63rd minute.
Brace FM reported that Babalola Okikiola completed his hat trick in the 65th minute to give Ilaji FC the lead once again; Ayobami Junior ensured the lead was short-lived by scoring a stunner in the 70th minute as both teams settled for a 3-3 draw in the regulation time.
Both teams, sponsored by Sanusi and Oyo State respectively, will represent Oyo State at the National Federation Cup later this year.
