To mark Oyo State’s 50th anniversary, Governor Seyi Makinde put on a star performance in a novelty match, scoring twice and notching an assist to lead his team to a thrilling 3–2 victory.
The match took place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, as part of activities commemorating the state’s golden jubilee, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju, who captained the opposing team, featured in the game and drew applause from fans for his presence, given his status as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers.
Governor Makinde was heavily involved throughout the contest, scoring a brace and providing an assist to help his side secure victory in front of a large crowd at the stadium.
The event was attended by senior government officials, politicians, sports administrators and entertainers. Hundreds of residents also filled the stands, many wearing customised anniversary T-shirts, while a musical concert by various artistes followed the match.
The lively novelty match capped Day 6 of Oyo State’s 50-year celebrations, pitting Makinde’s Team GSM against a squad led by ex-Super Eagles star Mutiu Adepoju. Videos showed the governor weaving past green-shirted defenders to slot past the keeper, with some fans claiming he added a second goal and an assist, calling his play ‘no be sere sere.’ Online banter compared his tally to Messi and Vinicius, while the event highlighted the recently remodeled stadium’s recent NPFL ban over pitch concerns. Makinde urged unity as Oyo marks its milestone from January 26 to February 4.
However, reactions online were mixed, with much of the discussion centred on the condition of the pitch at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Okay.
Some social media users questioned the quality of the playing surface, despite reports that the facility was renovated at a cost of ₦5 billion.
Others focused on the governor’s performance, praising his composure and first touch during the game, while some comments raised broader concerns about infrastructure and governance.
The celebration concluded with the presentation of prizes to the participating teams by Governor Makinde, rounding off one of the major highlights of the Oyo State @ 50 festivities.
Leave a Reply