In a thrilling friendly match held at the University of Ibadan on 23 April 2025, Soccer For All (SFA) emerged victorious against Tom Tom with a scoreline of 2-1. The match kicked off at 4:30pm, showcasing a competitive spirit from both sides as they aimed to fine-tune their squads ahead of the upcoming season.
SFA lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, which allowed for a solid defensive structure while providing ample support for their attacking players. Tomiwa Babalola took his place in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Chukwuemeka Ekemezie in the centre, flanked by David Jay-Jay on the right and Siyanbade Adedamola on the left. The midfield was anchored by Afeez Akeem and Abdulsomod Kolawole in central roles, with Emmanuel Osunleke and Peter Adeoti providing width as right and left midfielders, respectively. The attacking trio featured Abdul-samad Adewole and Emmanuel Okedigba as right and left attacking midfielders, supporting lone striker Akorede Obatuyi.
The substitutes for SFA were not listed, but the starting eleven was poised to deliver a strong performance.
The match began with an electric start, and within just three minutes, SFA took the lead. Abdul-samad Adewole found the back of the net after a precise short pass from Abdulsomod Kolawole, slotting the ball home with his left foot from inside the box. This early goal set the tone for the match, as SFA looked to build on their advantage.
As the first half progressed, SFA maintained control of the game, demonstrating their tactical discipline and cohesion. Tom Tom struggled to find their rhythm, often thwarted by SFA's resolute defence and quick transitions. The half concluded with SFA holding onto their slender lead, leaving Tom Tom with much to ponder during the interval.
The second half saw Tom Tom come out with renewed determination, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. However, SFA's defensive unit remained steadfast, repelling several attempts from the opposition. The midfield duo of Afeez Akeem and Abdulsomod Kolawole worked tirelessly to regain possession and launch counter-attacks, keeping Tom Tom on the back foot.
As the match wore on, SFA's tactical approach began to pay dividends, allowing them to double their lead. The details of this goal were not provided, but it further solidified their dominance in the match. Tom Tom, now trailing by two goals, faced an uphill battle to claw their way back into contention.
Despite their efforts, Tom Tom managed to pull one back, scoring a goal that injected a sense of urgency into the final moments of the match. However, SFA's defence held firm, ensuring that the lead was preserved until the final whistle.
In the end, Soccer For All celebrated a well-deserved 2-1 victory over Tom Tom, showcasing their potential and tactical prowess. The match served as an excellent preparation for both teams as they look ahead to their respective campaigns, with SFA leaving the pitch with their heads held high after a commendable performance.
