Kolawole Vincent oluwatobi, Akure
The stage is set for the 12th edition of Abe & Friends novelty football match and reunion, slated for the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure on Wednesday 30 December 2020.
The exciting arrangements for this year will see EX CHAN Eagles striker, Tunde Adeniji, Kolawole Kalejaye Peter, Segun Bajowa and other football stars from Ondo South/OK Soccer Legends go against Rest of Abe & Friends such as AFCON winner, Godfrey Oboabona (MON), Dayo Solomon Ojo, Ariyo David, Seun Olulayo Richmond, Adeniyi Alaba, Nzube Anaezemba among others.
The convener of the project, Abe Sunday Oluwasina in a chat with NAIRASPORTS on Tuesday stressed the significance of the annual festive football funfare and revealed, as the practice in recent years the event will provide a platform for the kids and young aspiring footballers to showcase their talents.
“Abe & Friends is for friendship and reunion through football. We have been doing this for years to encourage and foster unity among football players within and outside Ondo State. And we also use this time to give back to the society by reaching out to the less privileged and indigents.
“In addition this project has helped discovered so many players that have played for Sunshine Stars (SSFC) and other professional clubs across the world. That’s why there is a special game for the kids and youngsters, they need to be encouraged with a platform.” The SSFC captain noted.
The annual Abe & Friends event is always honoured by the presence of eminent profiles in sports and the society at large, and the trend in 2020 will not differ with the distinguished personalities that are expected to grace this year’s edition, among whom are the former DG NSC, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, Ondo Commissioner for Youth Dev. and Sports, Barr. Dotun Owanikin.
Others are Ondo FA boss, Otunba Dele Ajayi, ODSFA Acting Chairman/Dir. SSFC, Prince Tunde Ogunja, Chair., Ondo House of Assembly Committee on Info/Sports, Hon. Gbenga Omole – Akogun, GM of 3SC, Mr Rasheed Balogun, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote of SSFC, former TD/Coach SSFC, Henry O Abiodun, Players Union EXCO; Tijani Babaginda and Austine Popo et al.
The kids game comes up at 2:30pm while the event will climax with the Stars/Legends game: Ondo South vs. Rest of Abe & Friends at 3:30pm.
