The Clash of the Titans - IYEFUND Grand Finale -

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By Olanrewaju Adefemi

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, football lovers from Ifaki to the corners of Ekiti and beyond, today is not just another Sunday in the football calendar. Today is history, today is destiny, today is the day when the whole of Ifaki youth community comes alive with drums, songs, banter, and laughter because the IYEFUND CUP has saved its sweetest dish for last: EGUN DETERMINATION TEAM vs ILERO EXPERIENCE TEAM.

Yes, you heard that right. One side brings raw hunger, fire in their bellies, sweat on their brows, and boots that won’t stop running — Team Egun, the warriors of determination. The other side brings calmness, wisdom, the elegance of football maturity, and the kind of intelligence that only experience can teach — Team Ilero, the masters of patience and precision.

What a final we are about to witness!
Now let’s remind ourselves how we got here. Egun boys came into this tournament with nothing but grit. They faced the mighty Iwore, last year’s second runners-up. Everybody thought Iwore would roll over them with confidence, but Egun had other plans. They showed no respect for history, no respect for paper favorites. They pressed, they tackled, they scored, and they celebrated with chest beating that sent the message: “Determination is our bloodline.” They sent Iwore packing and booked their golden ticket to today’s final.

On the other hand, what about Ilero? These boys did not just qualify, they pulled off the shock of the century. They faced Ilogbe, the defending champions, the giants of last year, the kings with crowns still shining. Everyone thought it was going to be a stroll for Ilogbe, but Ilero came with wisdom. They played like seasoned professors in a classroom, teaching Ilogbe the hard lesson that football is not only about past glory. The defending champions were schooled, humbled, and sent home. And the chants began: “Experience pass power ooo!”

So here we are today, with determination facing experience. It’s like fire facing water, youth facing wisdom, thunder facing calm wind. Who will blink first?

Let’s paint the picture with sweet words and small small jokes. If Egun boys are like lions, roaring with hunger, Ilero boys are like old tortoises, slow but steady, smiling quietly because they know where the path leads. If Egun are firewood burning hot, Ilero are the pot of soup that knows how to sit gently and still taste sweet at the end. If football is a classroom, then Egun are the energetic students making noise, while Ilero are the experienced teachers marking exam papers with red pen.

But let nobody make mistake — this match will not be easy for either side. Determination without sense can become frustration, and experience without energy can look like laziness. That’s why today’s game will be about balance, about who can bring their best when the whistle blows.

Supporters are already warming up. We know Ifaki people, they don’t just watch football, they turn stadium to carnival. The drums are tuning, the singers are clearing throat, the trumpets are polished. If you see Egun fans, they are shouting already: “Determination till the end, nobody fit stop us!” And Ilero fans are replying: “Na experience dey rule life, small boys go learn today.”

One man said jokingly: “If Egun win, I will dance from Ifaki roundabout to my house barefooted.” Another replied: “If Ilero win, I will carry fufu on my head and share it for free.” That is how sweet this final is even jokes are flying left and right.

So who will lift the trophy tonight? That shiny cup sitting there, calling the names of both teams. Will it follow determination, the fearless warriors of Egun, who believe that energy, sweat, and youthful fire can break any wall? Or will it follow experience, the wise generals of Ilero, who believe that calmness, maturity, and smart play always wins at the end?
Nobody can say for sure until the ball rolls. But one thing we know, this is not just a football match, this is a festival.

This is Ifaki proving once again that youth can bring unity, peace, and laughter through the power of the game we love.

At the end of the day, whether it is Egun or Ilero that carry the cup, the real winner is IYEFUND CUP, the spirit of community, and the joy of all supporters who will go home saying: “We witnessed a final that will remain in our memory for years.”

So sit tight, hold your vuvuzela, grab your mineral, and prepare your dance steps. Because today, Ifaki is the place to be, and history is about to be written on the football pitch.

EGUN vs ILERO. Determination vs Experience. May the best team win!

Olarenwaju Adefemi, President Iwore Youth Forum writes from Ifaki-Ekiti.