62 year old Abeokuta FC goalkeeper, Adeniji Shobande, one of the oldest players in the Above 50 Football Competition has refused to dwell on their defeat to Ajegunle FC in the maiden edition finals today at the Surulere Legacy Pitch as he admits that memories created will exist for a lifetime
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Conceding three goals in the finals today before his injury, Shobande applauded the project initiator, revealing that it gives hope that there’s life after football and bringing lost, long term friends together, it couldn’t have been much more better than what it is.
A standout performer in between the sticks for his side, he was instrumental as they booked the finals spot with his crucial penalty saves propelling them to the grand finale today.
“God is my inspiration, He has been the one all through. At my age, I haven’t been at the goal post for over two years. I don’t train but as the competition came suddenly, I decided to oblige myself and honor my friends that invited me,” he stated as he reminisces back on how he got to be a participant.
“The journey to the final was tough. Injuries and I was so disappointed but I knew I needed to continue if not for anything, but to repay the hardwork and sacrifices of the guys. The injury was too much, both thighs, I had groining.”
“However, the most important aspect of goalkeeping is our hands and the moment I got the fingers injured on our roads to the finals, I knew I could not continue so that I don’t concede more goals,” he emphasized.
“The brains behind this project has done very well. Bringing us back after a lot of people have left football. Now we have life after football where we can train and keep fit and meet with old, long term friends is so beautiful,” he concluded.
With the victory, winner of the tournament, Ajegunle FC will get N5 million while the first runner up in Abeokuta FC will get N2 million and third best team, N1 million as communicated by the organizers.
