By Gbenga Sodeinde
As the screening of prospective players that will slug it out with one another in the maiden edition of Ekiti Obas Cup ends today (Friday) all participating teams are set be drawn against one another .
The draws will hold on Saturday, May 14 at AB Emporium Hotel along Housing Road, Adebayo area in Ado Ekiti.
Coaches of all participating teams and at least a player from each team are expected to grace the draws which will be presided by some football stakeholders and royal fathers in the state while some partners of the competition are also expected to witness the event.
The 16 teams that will be drawn against one another include Onisan FC, Ewi FC, Onigbemo FC, Owatapa FC, Alawe FC, Onimesi FC, Owa Oye Okemesi FC and Olukere FC.
Other teams preparing for the Ekiti Obas Cup Under 18 soccer Championship are Elekole FC, Elemure FC, Apeju FC, Olufaki FC, Alara of Aramoko FC, Arajaka Igbara-Odo FC and Oloye FC and Onigogo FC.
The teams are to be drawn against one another based on proximity at the preliminary stage as matches are to be decided at venues close to communities in same axis while the knockout matches are to be decided at selected venues and the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado will host the grand finale slated for Tuesday May 31.
The Gogetter Multi Links being the organizers of the Ekiti Obas Cup appreciated the tremendous support from the Ekiti Obas Council headed by Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, the Onisan of Isan Ekiti .
The youth soccer competition has also enjoyed support from some individuals and corporate bodies including the Ekiti Traditional Title Holders Association, Otunba Jide Bello (OJB USA), chief Eminise of Ogotun Ekiti, chief Oluwole Oloworemo, coach Tade Gboyega (Dubai), Coach Ayodeji Ayeni (Akwa United), Bello Babatunde (player), Tolu Ojo(player),Tosin Onibudo (UK), Rotimi Arabi(USA),Hon. TAYO Ojo (SA, Works), Ekiti All Stars international, Ekiti Players Union, Dr Dayo Oladebeye ( Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ado) ALGON, Ekiti State, Portofino Eatery, Ado, TECNO Mobile Nigeria, Johnny Sports Merchants, Okeysi & Joy Sports Merchants .
Having reached out to all governorship candidates contesting the June 18, 2022 elections to solicit their support and partnership, the organizers applauded the support from the state Football Association , the Ekiti State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as well as the Sports Council.