FC Oloyede head coach, Taiwo Oloyede, has described his side’s elimination from the Ex-Internationals Cup as the loss of “a big game” after they were edged 2-1 on aggregate by Alloy FC.
The former Nigerian international spoke with Sports247 after his team bowed out of the competition following a narrow 1-0 defeat in the second leg at the Gospel Pitch, Ipaja, Lagos, on Thursday.
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The match was a tightly contested affair from start to finish, with both sides showing determination and discipline in a game that produced few clear chances. FC Oloyede started brightly and tried to control possession, while Alloy FC remained compact and dangerous on the break. After a goalless first half, the breakthrough came late in the second half when Alloy FC capitalised on a defensive lapse to score the only goal of the game. The result, combined with the 1-1 draw from the first leg in Ikorodu, sent Alloy FC through to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Reflecting on the defeat, Oloyede admitted the result was disappointing but praised the organisers for providing a platform that continues to promote former football stars and inspire the younger generation.
“We lost a big game, no doubt about that. But I want to thank the Local Organising Committee and everyone involved in putting this competition together. It is a wonderful initiative because it allows us to see the quality of players coming after us. I really enjoyed the game, and I wish Alloy FC the very best in the competition,” Oloyede said.
The former striker also used the opportunity to compare the current crop of Nigerian footballers with the older generation, insisting that today’s players still have a long way to go before matching the standards set by their predecessors.
“Today’s generation is trying, but they are not as good as the older generation of Nigerian footballers. In our time, there was more hunger, discipline and commitment to the game. The young ones have talent, no doubt, but they need to work harder, be more focused and learn from those who came before them if they want to reach that level.”
Oloyede also reflected on some of the defining moments of his playing career, highlighting three matches that remain unforgettable.
He recalled scoring twice in a crucial league match against Iwuanyanwu Nationale in 1991 to help his club avoid relegation, finishing as one of Africa’s leading scorers during Julius Berger’s memorable 1996 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup campaign with six goals, and netting a memorable golden goal in the semi-final against Katsina United.
Despite the disappointment of the Ex-Internationals Cup exit, Oloyede remained optimistic that FC Oloyede will return stronger in future editions of the competition.
