The Atlantic Warriors has trounced Maro FC 5-0 in the opening match of the second edition of Gbadebo’s Cup football competition in Lagos.
The match which was played to commemorate the birth anniversary of Comrade Alex Gbadebo Omotehinse at the Ketu Special Children Centre Playground Ikorodu Road Beside Mobil Filling station mile 12, witnessed huge turnout of sport enthusiast.
Secretary of the Organising Committee of Gbadebo’s Cup 2024 Coach Campo Muller while giving a trajectory of the annual sporting competition, notes with much nostalgia the positive effect of the sport activity on youths in the area, while charging the warring factions within Mile 12 axis to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance.
“This football Competition was put together by the youths in mile 12 and it’s environs to celebrate and honour one of the best son mile 12 has produced, who has made us proud.
“In the person of our brother and friend Gbadebo Alex Omotehinse whom we all called Hyklass based on his business name (Hyklass Nig. Enterprises), but he is well known across Nigeria as Comrade Alex a notable human rights activist of a great repute) and one of our brothers as well Ismaila Kanu whose birthday is also 25th of December.
According to Muller the two week-long football competition which commenced on Saturday, will feature twelve youthful teams who will be showcasing their talents on the soccer pitch all through the tournament.
“The first edition of this football Competition started last year 2023 with 8 teams, but this year 2024 as the second edition has increased the number of the participating teams to 12.
“The beauty of it is that we have teams from outside mile 12 that has shown interest and joined in the competition, which makes us believe that we are progressing in the unity campaign.
“The final match will be played on Christmas day, December 25, 2024 which is the birthday date of Comrade Gbadebo Alex Omotehinse one of the illustrious sons of Mile 12 (HYKLASS) whom the competition ” GBADEBO’S CUP” was name after.
“On the last note we enjoined all the mile 12 youths and all the waring factions in mile 12 to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in our community.”
Elated about the football competition Comrade Alex Omotehinse the celebrant hinted that the sporting activity means a lot to him.
Omotehinse notes that the fact that many youths get engaged at a time like this to dissipate their energies in gainful exercise energies him more.
“I am overjoyed that many youths are here to contest in a popular sport like football thus shifting their gaze away from social vices, the fact that this is done in commemoration of my birthday and a second edition at that brightens my heart.
“I am also thankful to my dear sister Chief Mrs. Dorcas Adeyinka (Boss Lady) the Otun Yeye Oge of Ogudu land and all other well-meaning individuals who gave their support for the 2024 edition.
“It really means a lot to me as I celebrate yet another year soon.
“My charge to the players is that they continue to exude the spirit of sportsmanship, even in their daily engagements, shunning strives and embracing brotherly comportment.” Comrade Alex said.