4th August, 2011
The unexpected 1-2 loss of the defending champion Ade-Odeniyi zone to Oshin /Olorunyonusimi zone at the Unity Community Development Association (Ifetedo-Alagbole) Games that kicked off over the weekend has been blamed on the use of an overaged player by the Oshin side.
Coach Abiola Kazeem of Ade-Odeniyi zone raised this alleto P.M.Sports after the highly contested match against their arch rivals, who always claimed to be the mother of all the zones within the community.
“I am very sad about the defeat because we don’t want to lose to Oshin of all the zones.Besides, my boys played very well according to instructions. We prepared specially for the match but it was so unfortunate that we lost.
Continuing, Kazeem said: “What really annoyed me was the fact that the organisers refused to accept our complaint about the illegibility of James. You could see how influential he was throughout the match.â€
The coach disclosed that the zone lodged an official complaint to the organisers of the soccer event of the Games about the player. They complained that he was overaged and not screened before the tourney.
The said player was alleged to be included in Oshin zone team’s list after the stipulated period given for submission of all team lists by the organisers.
Kazeem, however, promised to charge his players to continue to be dedicated and make sure they win their next match, saying they could not afford to lose the next match.
Reactiing to the allegation Oshin coach said Ade-Odeniyi zone was only looking for an excuse for their defeat.
He explained that they had to make the last minute decision to include James in the team due to hand injury sustained by one of their players a day before the match, saying they would win the match with or without James.
He also expressed delight over his team’s victory when they confronted Ade-Odeniyi zone.
—Bamidele Olowosagba