Ololade Adeyanju/
Members of Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association (EXUIFA), comprising old students who played in the premier university’s football team, led by their President, Mr Edwin Evbie, converged on the historic city of Ibadan, Oyo State, last weekend, for their 7th annual reunion.
The two-day event was attended by members across the world, including the US, Canada and Europe.
Some of those in attendance include, former national team players, Mutiu Adepoju, Dr Abiodun Salami, who is the outgoing Director of Sports of UI and Jide Olugbodi.
Others include, Professor Oluwasegun Adekunle from the University of Ilorin, who is the chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, DCP Kunle Olusokan, deputy commissioner of police in charge of administration in the Kogi State Command, Dr Festus Adegoju, a CAF-accredited coach and chairman of Oyo State Football Coaches Association, amongst others.
Activities marking this year’s reunion commenced on Friday with a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of UI, Professor Kayode Adebowale.
The delegation led by the BOT chairman, Adekunle, the president, Evbie, the vice president, Mr Vitalise Odozor and Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Duru, and other members of the association’s executive committee, was received by the deputy vice chancellor in charge of administration, Professor E.O. Ayoola.
Saturday featured a mini football tournament, held at the UI Sports Complex among members of the association, who were divided into four teams.
This year’s tournament was organised in honour of Salami, who is retiring from UI at the end of this month.
The ceremonial kickoff was performed by UI’s director of public communication, Mr Muhammed Oladejo, who represented the vice chancellor.
The team captained by Adepoju played against the team captained by Salami in the final match, which ended in 1-1 draw. Both teams also converted 10 of their respective penalties.
The match was eventually decided with a coin toss, with the team captained by Salami emerging victorious.
The day’s activities were rounded off with a reunion dinner at the Trenchard Hall in UI.
Highlights of the event include, health talk by Dr Adedamola Mosuro, a member of the association and medical practitioner based in Canada, lecture on community policing by DCP Olusokan, question and answer session with Mutiu Adepoju and presentation of awards to deserving members and friends of the association, including head coach of 3SC football club of Ibadan, Mr Edith Agoye.
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