Our Correspondence
FABOTAS College, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria has delivered a commendable performance away from home, holding Crown Polytechnic, Odo, Ado Ekiti to a 1–1 draw in a lively and competitive friendly encounter that kept spectators engaged from start to finish.
The visitors showed confidence and tactical discipline early in the game, matching their hosts in both intensity and ball control. Despite the home advantage, Crown Polytechnic found it difficult to break down a well-organised FABOTAS defence, which remained resolute under pressure.
The friendly match, which attracted attention from students, sports enthusiasts, and officials of both institutions, lived up to expectations as both teams displayed determination, discipline, tactical organization, and a strong desire to compete. From the opening whistle, FABOTAS College showed confidence and composure, taking the game to the hosts with a well coordinated display. Their efforts paid off in the first half when Adeyemo Ayodele Olamide found the back of the net with a brilliant finish, giving FABOTAS College a deserved lead and sending the visiting side into halftime with a 1–0 advantage.
Returning for the second half, Crown Polytechnic responded with renewed intensity and greater attacking intent. Their persistence eventually yielded results in the 56th minute, when they scored the equalizer to bring the scoreline to 1–1. Despite further efforts from both sides to find a winning goal, the match ended in a draw, with both teams sharing the spoils after a spirited and memorable contest.
Beyond the result, the match stood out as a celebration of friendship, respect, and the role of sports in building relationships among tertiary institutions. It was a game marked by fairness, discipline, and mutual admiration, with players from both teams giving a good account of themselves throughout the encounter.
Speaking after the match, the Coach of FABOTAS College, Coach Ebenezer, expressed satisfaction with the performance of his players and commended them for their resilience, teamwork, and determination in an away fixture. He noted that although the team had hoped for victory, the result was a positive one considering the quality of the opposition and the circumstances of playing away from home. He described the match as a valuable opportunity to assess the team’s strengths and areas that require improvement as preparations continue for future engagements. He also appreciated Crown Polytechnic for the warm reception and for creating a conducive atmosphere for a successful sporting event.
On his part, the Coach of Crown Polytechnic, Coach Awe Adeola, praised the quality of the match and acknowledged the fighting spirit shown by both sides. He described the game as exciting and beneficial to the development of young football talents, adding that FABOTAS College gave a very strong performance and contributed immensely to the success of the friendly encounter. He further appreciated FABOTAS College for honoring the invitation and emphasized the importance of such sporting engagements in strengthening the bond between institutions and promoting grassroots sports development.
The Captain of FABOTAS College, Agboola Oluranti, also reflected positively on the match, stating that the team came with the objective of competing well, learning, and proudly representing their institution, and that they were pleased with the outcome. He thanked Crown Polytechnic for the invitation and hospitality shown to the team, while encouraging his teammates to remain focused and continue working hard as they build on the momentum gained from the encounter.
Similarly, the Captain of Crown Polytechnic commended the standard of the game and the competitive spirit displayed by the visiting side. He acknowledged that FABOTAS College played with great discipline and energy, making the game very balanced and enjoyable. He appreciated the players of FABOTAS for their maturity and sportsmanship, noting that their presence added great value to the occasion.
In the same vein, the Chairman of Sports of Crown Polytechnic, Odo-Ekiti, Mr Layi, specially appreciated FABOTAS College for accepting and honoring the invitation to participate in the friendly match. He expressed gratitude to the management, coaching crew, and players of FABOTAS College for bringing a disciplined and talented team to Odo-Ekiti. According to him, the success of the match was made possible because both institutions demonstrated the true essence of sportsmanship, unity, and youth development. He further expressed hope for more sporting collaborations and friendly engagements between Crown Polytechnic and FABOTAS College in the future.
This impressive performance by FABOTAS College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ado-Ekiti once again highlights the institution’s strong and growing commitment to sports development, student engagement, physical fitness, and holistic education. While the college continues to maintain its reputation for academic excellence, it is equally demonstrating that extracurricular activities especially sports, remain an important part of its vision for all-round student development. The football team’s solid showing away from home is a reflection of discipline, proper coaching, teamwork, and the determination of FABOTAS students to excel not only in the classroom but also on the field of play.
Indeed, FABOTAS College continues to distinguish itself as an institution where academic pursuit, character formation, physical wellness, and talent development are all given the attention they deserve. The team’s performance against Crown Polytechnic is not just a good football result, but a strong statement that FABOTAS College is steadily building a culture of excellence in sports alongside its educational mission.
