The maiden edition of the Imole Gold Cup kicked off on Thursday at the Evbareke Secondary School football field with Shooting Arrows thumping their opponents, Elite Stars, 4-0.
Three first-half goals from Shooting Arrow’s Emeka Ijeagu, Mensha Idemudia and Mudia Bello gave a clear direction to the game as Elite Stars struggled heavily to find their balance and control.
The last nail in the coffin came in the second half when Osaro Dickson fired from close range to extend the lead to four. On their own, Elite Stars couldn’t help the situation as they hardly threatened their opponents’ backline.
Bobo Clancy of Shooting Arrows was named man of the match after a dominant display in Midfield for the winners. Towo Eventus, former Bendel Insurance FC Midfielder, on behalf of the cup donor, presented the award of ten thousand naira to the young Midfielder.
Being winners, Shooting Arrows have now advanced to the second round with Ogbomo FC waiting to be their opponents.
Highlights of the opening ceremony of the tournament were the commissioning of the new goalposts of the Evbareke Secondary School field and the subsequent presentation to the community by the Tournament Sponsor, Mr Adewole Christian Imole.
Mr, Adewole Christian Imole who also performed the ceremonial kickoff, also unveiled the new sets of jerseys, which will be presented to the four semi finalists of the tournament.
During the course of the opening ceremony event, former Bendel Insurance Midfielder, Towo Eventus made a pledge of sponsoring an award and prize for the best Midfielder of the tournament with a prize money of thirty thousand naira.
Matches resume on Friday morning by 9am as BSSI FC takes on Breed FC, while by 11am, Restoration FC will trade tackles with Paulson FA. Other matches are the 1PM fixture between Spunky Blazers and Osadolor FC and the 3pm game between Angel FC and Bristol Kings.