The much-anticipated Rector’s Cup football tournament came to a spectacular close today, marking the culmination of weeks of intense competition, resilience, and sportsmanship. The grand finale saw Akinfenwa FC emerge as the undisputed champions after a commanding 4-0 victory over Adetiloye FC in a thrilling showdown.
The Rector’s Cup has long been an integral part of Ezekiel College of Theology’s sporting calendar, fostering teamwork, discipline, and camaraderie among students. This year’s edition was particularly significant as it marked the first tournament under the leadership of the new Rector. The event brought together some of the most talented footballers within the school, and from the group stages to the knockout rounds, each match was fiercely contested, with teams displaying remarkable tactical discipline and skill.
The journey to the final was anything but easy for both teams. Akinfenwa FC dominated their group with a string of impressive victories, showcasing a blend of fluid attacking play and rock-solid defense. On the other hand, Adetiloye FC also fought their way through the competition, overcoming strong opposition to book their place in the final. With both teams in top form, the stage was set for an electrifying finale.
The final match, played at the football pitch, attracted a large crowd of students, staff, and football enthusiasts who came to witness history in the making. Right from the kickoff, Akinfenwa FC signaled their intent with swift attacking moves, keeping Adetiloye FC’s defense under constant pressure.
The opening minutes were a battle of wits, with both teams cautiously testing each other’s defenses. However, it didn’t take long for Akinfenwa FC to break the deadlock. Their star forward, Omotosho Victor Oluwafemi, latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball and slotted it past the defense, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
With momentum on their side, Akinfenwa FC doubled their lead through a well-executed corner kick that was met with a powerful header. The team continued to dominate possession, and before the halftime whistle, they secured a third goal, firmly establishing their grip on the match.
The second half saw Adetiloye FC make a spirited attempt at a comeback, but Akinfemiwa FC remained resolute. The defensive efforts were marshaled by Agboola Enoch Adekunle, who stood firm at the back, frustrating every attacking move from Adetiloye FC. In midfield, Captain Ojo Victor Seyi controlled the tempo of the game, ensuring smooth transitions between defense and attack.
Akinfenwa FC put the icing on the cake with a fourth goal, securing a resounding victory and cementing their status as champions of the Rector’s Cup 2025.
Speaking after the match, Akinfenwa FC’s captain, Ojo Victor Seyi, expressed his delight at the team’s performance, praising his teammates for their dedication and hard work throughout the tournament.
“This victory means everything to us. We trained hard, played as a unit, and gave it our all on the pitch. I want to thank my teammates, our coach, and the supporters who believed in us. This is a moment we will never forget,” he said.
On the other hand, Adetiloye FC’s captain, Post Fabatemiku Ebenezer, acknowledged the defeat but remained optimistic about the future.
“We gave it our best shot, but today wasn’t our day. Congratulations to Akinfenwa FC for their well-deserved victory. We will learn from this experience and come back stronger next time,” he stated.
Following the match, the Rector’s Cup trophy was presented to the triumphant Akinfenwa FC, who lifted it high amidst cheers from their supporters. Awards and medals were also presented to outstanding players, including:
Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Omotosho Victor Oluwafemi (Akinfenwa FC)
Best Defender: Agboola Enoch Adekunle (Akinfenwa FC)
Best Midfielder: Ojo Victor Seyi (Akinfenwa FC)
The Rector, Ven Prof Ayodele Atowoju, commended all the teams for their sportsmanship and participation, emphasizing the importance of sports in building character and unity.
“This tournament is more than just football; it is about fostering friendship, discipline, and teamwork. I commend all the teams for their efforts and congratulate Akinfenwa FC for their outstanding performance. We look forward to an even greater competition next year,” he remarked.
Akinfenwa FC’s coach, Post Tanko, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement.
“The boys gave everything on the pitch today. We worked hard in training, and this victory is a testament to their determination. I’m grateful to the entire team and our supporters for making this possible,” he said.
The Rector’s Cup 2025 was a resounding success, filled with unforgettable moments, spectacular goals, and commendable team spirit. With Akinfenwa FC etching their name into the history books as champions, anticipation is already building for next year’s edition. Until then, the memories of this tournament will continue to inspire and motivate future footballing talents within Ezekiel College of Theology.
Congratulations once again to Akinfenwa FC – the worthy champions of the Rector’s Cup 2025