What was meant to be a celebration of grassroots football in Ifo ended in controversy, as the 8th edition of the Ibro Peckham Marlians Football Competition concluded in dramatic and disappointing fashion, drawing comparisons with infamous moments from the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
The tournament, which featured 32 teams, attracted a large turnout of football lovers for the final between Ajax Sporting Club and Ilerika FC. Expectations were high, but the showpiece failed to live up to its billing. After a dull and goalless draw in regulation time, Ajax Sporting Club eventually emerged champions, winning 5–4 on penalties.
However, the football took a back seat to organisational lapses. The second half, which officially lasted 44 minutes, saw only five minutes of actual play, as the match was halted for 39 minutes due to the late arrival of the competition sponsor.
Players, match officials, and fans were left stranded on the pitch in what many described as an embarrassing and avoidable interruption.
The decisive moment came during the penalty shootout when Oyenekan Timilehin, one of the most experienced players in the competition, missed from the spot for Ilerika FC, handing Ajax the title.
Reacting to the incident, Mr. Kolawole Joseph told Sports247Naija, “This is very embarrassing. Football in this community has grown beyond this level. Coming from far to witness such an unsporting situation is disappointing.”
Another veteran sportsman, Mr. Isaac, blamed the organisers, noting that sponsors should be properly briefed on football protocols, adding that “football is not street jamz.”
Many spectators left the venue in disbelief, with growing calls for new organisers or a revival of alternative competitions such as the Anjolani Biz Championship, to restore credibility and respect to community football in Ifo.
