FED CUP: BABATUNDE ODUBOLA HAILS ILAJI FC QUALIFICATION AS A 'HUGE ACHIEVEMENT'
By Oluseyi Adedire
Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews
FB: Oyo Sports Update
One of the fast-growing football clubs in Oyo State and Nationwide League One side, Ilaji Football Club has again set another record in Nigeria by securing a qualification ticket that will enable them to represent Oyo state at the National Federation Cup.
Ilaji Football Club, owned by the Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort, Chief (Engineer) Dotun Sanusi will represent Oyo state for the first time with Champions Shooting Stars.
The Sanusi Boys clinched a place in the National Federation Cup after beating Oyo Alaafin FC in the semi-final by 4-1 at the just concluded Oyo State Federation Cup, though they lost with a lone goal to Shooting Stars in the final -and- the Akanran-based team will make their debut at the National Federation Cup in this year edition.
However, Ilaji FC Manager, Babatunde Odubola fondly called Ziko is relishing the chance to face the 'big boys' in the federation cup but plays down his team's chances of lifting the trophy as they prepare to face Nigeria Premier Football League teams.
"Firstly, I think the players did brilliantly well in this edition and It's a great credit to the players. This was the second time we'll take part at the state level, our first appearance was not too good after we crashed out in the first match. The players knew how important the competition was, and they did very well, especially against Iseyin Rocks FC. We came from a goal down and won 4-1, this was massive for the technical crew and players."
"It's a huge achievement from where we came from, to jump this far is absolutely huge, " Ziko said.
"We are extremely grateful for the support from Chief Engineer Dotun Sanusi, the staff, and the supporters' club. Now that the job is done at the state level, our focus is now shifted to the national level where we must up our game and be ready to face any team."
Ilaji Football Club missed the promotion play-off last season at the Nationwide League One Group C2 after finishing second behind Offa FC. Coach Babatunde Odubola and his boys will also participate in this year Nationwide League One campaign.
However, Ilaji FC Manager, Babatunde Odubola fondly called Ziko is relishing the chance to face the 'big boys' in the federation cup but plays down his team's chances of lifting the trophy as they prepare to face Nigeria Premier Football League teams.
"Firstly, I think the players did brilliantly well in this edition and It's a great credit to the players. This was the second time we'll take part at the state level, our first appearance was not too good after we crashed out in the first match. The players knew how important the competition was, and they did very well, especially against Iseyin Rocks FC. We came from a goal down and won 4-1, this was massive for the technical crew and players."
"It's a huge achievement from where we came from, to jump this far is absolutely huge, " Ziko said.
Ilaji Football Club missed the promotion play-off last season at the Nationwide League One Group C2 after finishing second behind Offa FC. Coach Babatunde Odubola and his boys will also participate in this year Nationwide League One campaign.
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