Kam Abioye hosted Barca Kiddies at Ilorin on 21 September 2025, kicking off at midday in an eight-a-side friendly that stretched to 65 minutes including extra time. The home side emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, courtesy of a spectacular volley from Mendy Kasee late in the match. The contest was tightly fought, with Kam Abioye’s resilience and tactical adjustments proving decisive.
Kam Abioye lined up in a 3-3-1 formation, a setup designed to balance defensive solidity with midfield creativity and attacking potency. Saleem guarded the goal, supported by a back three comprising O.G Vendor at right defender, Sir Musa centrally, and Itz Kabir on the left. The midfield trio featured Prof Idris on the right, Prof Jafar centrally, and S.S Shope on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supplying the lone striker, Lil Messi, who spearheaded the attack. This formation demanded disciplined defending from the back three, industrious work from the midfield, and clinical finishing from the striker.
On the bench, Kam Abioye had a strong array of substitutes ready to influence the game: Hot Pepper, Abdul Rahman Terminator, Ronaldo Teslim, Al Hassan, Abdul Basit, Mendy Kasee, Abbey Vini, big J small, and Easy Abdul.
The match began with Kam Abioye attempting to impose their rhythm through midfield control and probing Barca Kiddies’ defence. However, as the first half progressed, the game remained goalless with both sides struggling to carve out clear-cut chances. At the 30-minute mark, the half-time whistle was blown, but not before Kam Abioye made a triple substitution to refresh their squad and inject new energy. Hot Pepper replaced S.S Shope on the left midfield, Abdul Rahman Terminator came on for left defender Itz Kabir, and Ronaldo Teslim took over from right midfielder Prof Idris.
Shortly after the break, Kam Abioye continued their reshuffle with further changes. At 35 minutes, Al Hassan replaced the lone striker Lil Messi, signalling a tactical shift. Abdul Basit came on for central defender Sir Musa a minute later, and at 40 minutes, Mendy Kasee entered the fray in place of central midfielder Prof Jafar. The defensive line was also adjusted when Abbey Vini replaced right defender O.G Vendor at 41 minutes.
The game’s intensity increased, and discipline became an issue as Abbey Vini was shown a yellow card for a bad tackle at 43 minutes. The physicality continued with Hot Pepper receiving a yellow card three minutes later. Kam Abioye’s substitutions kept coming as big J small replaced Abbey Vini at 47 minutes, followed by Easy Abdul coming on for Hot Pepper at 51 minutes.
The decisive moment arrived in the 58th minute when Mendy Kasee scored the only goal of the match. Receiving a long pass from Easy Abdul, Kasee unleashed a stunning volley from outside the box with his right foot that flew past the Barca Kiddies’ goalkeeper. This strike epitomised Kam Abioye’s tactical patience and ability to capitalise on a moment of quality.
Despite Barca Kiddies pushing forward in the closing stages and the match extending into five minutes of added time, Kam Abioye held firm to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The disciplined defensive work, combined with the impact of substitutes, particularly Mendy Kasee’s match-winning contribution, was key to the home side’s success.
Mendy Kasee was deservedly named player of the match for his decisive goal and influential presence after coming off the bench. Referee Mr White oversaw the contest with a moderate performance, managing the game’s physicality and flow.
In summary, Kam Abioye’s tactical flexibility, effective substitutions, and moments of individual brilliance ensured they edged out Barca Kiddies in this competitive Ilorin friendly.
