In a spirited display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, the Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN) engaged members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter in a friendly football match held at the Aquinas College Football Pitch, Akure.
The exhibition match, organized as part of efforts to foster unity and collaboration between youth stakeholders and the media community in Ondo State, lived up to its billing with thrilling moments and competitive action on both ends.
OSYN took the lead in the early stages of the match, capitalizing on a goalmouth scramble which saw the ball deflected past the SWAN goalkeeper into the back of the net, sending their supporters into celebration.
However, just before the halftime whistle, a foul committed in the OSYN penalty box gave SWAN a lifeline.
The penalty was calmly converted, leveling the score at 1–1 before the break.
The second half was no less entertaining, with the SWAN team pressing forward in search of a winner.
Despite creating two clear chances, the sports journalists were unable to convert, as the OSYN defense held firm.
The entertaining encounter eventually ended in a 1–1 draw.
Speaking after the match, the Chairman of SWAN and Coach of Coach of the Team for the day, Mr. Segun Giwa, commended both teams for their excellent display of football and mutual respect.
He also praised the organizers for facilitating such a friendly encounter aimed at strengthening ties between young leaders and the media.
“This match goes beyond football,” Giwa remarked. “It’s a platform for building partnerships, encouraging youth engagement, and enhancing social bonding through sports.”
The event was attended by members of the youth network, sports journalists, and football enthusiasts, all of whom applauded the initiative and called for more community-based sporting engagements in the state.
The match not only promoted physical fitness and recreation but also served as a reminder of how sports can be a unifying force for positive change and development.
The Coach of OSYN, Comrade Gbenga Ajongbolo A.K.A Ajos appreciated the SWAN team for putting up a good show.
Ajongbolo boasted that the team had remained unbeaten in the hands of Team SWAN.
He promised to win the third leg of the novelty match at a date to be announced soon.