BY RAYMOND NWADUBA
The 5th Edition of Kasali Kudus Ileya Cup tournament came to a befitting end on Sunday, 31 May, 2026, with Panaticos FC running away as winners after a hard – fought 1-0 defeat of defending champions, Ologbonla FC in the final.
A first half nodded goal by Chibuike Abraham in the 3rd minute was all Panaticos FC needed to put paid to the ambition of Ologbonla FC who were gunning for a third straight title, having won the third and fourth editions of the competition consecutively.
The coach Michael Elisha Panaticos FC tutored side, got their tactics spot on. The team sat deep and defended with their lives after getting their goal to ensure they effectively stopped Ologbonla FC from bagging hat- trick titles.
Speaking after the game, coach Elisha described the encounter as a difficult one but noted that he was confident they will beat them.
“We thank God for the victory. The match wasn’t easy but I was optimistic we will win.
“We thank the organisers and our supporters for being behind us throughout the competition”, he noted.
The Head coach of Horobo FC, Sunday Elkanah Omobolanle emerged as the Best coach of the tournament while the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Tunde Owoeye of Panaticos FC. The Highest goal scorer was won by Job David of Believers Foundation FC with 5 goals while the Best goalkeeper went to Kingsley Emmanuel of Ologbonla FC.
The tournament organisers appreciates Taiwo Hassan popularly known as Oga NEPA for sponsoring the Highest goal scorer award and Mr. Seyi Amos, CEO/ Founder Seamoriow FC for supporting the tournament with the sum of three hundred thousand naira (N300,000).
- The final was well attended by eminent personalities, ex- players, coaches and a large number of fans who turned out at the Kasali Kudus Sports Centre at Abaranje Okeorube. Amongst them are Egbe Idimu All stars President, Alh. Olatunji Odeyemi, Ologbonla FC President, Hon. Thompson Oluwasegun, Chief Lateef Liasu, Apena of Egbe land, Pastor Seyi Amos CEO Seamoriow, Idris Onifade, V.P Egbe Idimu All stars, Comrade Azuamaka amongst others.
