Pulses are faster, the mood is frenzy, and the excitement amongst football lovers in Ekiti state is infectious, as the Bet9ja football league kicks off Tuesday across different centres in the state.
Feelers from the state revealed that teams have concluded preparations with series of tune up matches in readiness for top honours in the football competition sponsored by topmost betting company, Bet9ja.
Teeming football fans are set to storm different match venues in large numbers to support their teams to victory.
Speaking earlier on Monday during a radio sports programme, the Chairman of Ekiti state football association, Bayo Olanlege, expressed optimism on holding a successful competition.
He enthused confidently that a positive chapter is about to be added to the history of football in the state.
The youthful FA boss began by heaping praises on the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration for providing an enabling environment for football and other sports to thrive in the state.
Speaking on the bet9ja football league, he reiterated the desires of the state FA to develop football in the state, as well as build a sustainable football culture in the land.
Olanlege went on to appeal to all stakeholders and soccer fans in the state to go to match venues close to them to watch the league games and witness first hand the abundant talents scattered all over the state.
“The organising committee of the competition have put everything is in place for a hitch free and memorable football league in the state. The teams are ready to do battle for honours, just as the match officials have also assured us of fair officiating at all matches, ” Olanlege stated.
He further disclosed that His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) Omonigbehin Adejuwon, the Olomuo of Omuo kingdom and Hon. Eyindero, Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, would be at the Omuore Grammar School, Omuo Ekiti, for the official kick-off in the match between Ekiti East FC and Ikole United.
Also, the match involving Ijero United FC and Soccer Academy will be witnessed by Hon. Abiodun Dada, Chairman, Ijero Local government and HRM, Oba Adebayo Ajewole, the Ajero of Ijero Kingdom who will also do the kick off.
The 18 teams participating in the football league have been divided into four groups and with matches to be played on home and away basis.
Meanwhile, a total of seven matches would be played across different match venues on Tuesday in week one of the competition.
Match Day 1 August 6, 2019
Group A
Gbosa FC vs Ikere Utd
Petemmal FC vs Ojorube FC
Moyero FC drawn bye
GROUP B
Ekiti East FC vs Ikole Utd
GROUP C
Ifishin Utd vs United FC
Ijero Utd FC vs Soccer Academy
GROUP D
Kola Babes FC vs Phoenix ASC
Ajibade FC vs EKSU Galacticos
Flying Angels drawn bye.
