Akure stands still for football festival

Akure Township Stadium in Ondo State was agog with carnival of colour, music, and world class football fiesta to mark the 4th edition of the D’Royal Off Season Football Tournaments (DOFT) in the state.

Proudly tagged “Akara na senior year’s football festival, the event had kicked off in spectacular fashion, keeping the city in a very buzzing and bubbling mood.

It attracted thousands of fans that trooped into the stadium, honking horns, singing, waving banners, and dancing to make the atmosphere into a pure magic.

Before the kickoff of the opening match, musical heavyweights Ben Ace and Huntaar took to the stage, setting the crowd on fire with performances that kept everyone on their feet to was sportainment at its peak.

The football game, which was as entertaining as the musical carnival, saw the defending champions, Olukayode FC locked horns with a determined Velocity FC in the opening match.

Packed with talent, both teams gave account of themselves but the champions were unstoppable, cruising to a 3 1 victory that sent their supporters into raptures.

The energy was electrifying, fans cheered endlessly, drums rolled, and the spirit of Akara na senior burger revibrates at every corner of the stadium.

The event was graced by top dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. A. Adeyemi, representing the Commissioner, Hon. Segun Omoyofunmi, who performed the ceremonial kick off.

Also present were Mrs. Evelyn Lebi (General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council), Mrs. Onilude Tayo (Chairperson, Ondo Coaches Association / Sunshine Queens Coach), Mr. Ogunlade Abayomi (Chairman, Akure South Sports Council / President, YSFON Ondo State Chapter), and Amb. Doc. and Mrs. Henry Abiodun of H&B Sports Global.

Reacting to the event, Olaniboji Mathew, DOFT CEO, said: “This is not just football. It’s drama, skill, music, and pure joy. Akara na senior burger is the vibe – bold, unforgettable, and proudly Nigerian.

The tournament continues with more exciting matches over the next four weeks. The grand finale on July 12th, 2026, promises to be the biggest football showdown of the year.

The 16 teams battling for glory: Whitehorse FA, Legends FC, Ipole FC, Olukayode FC, Velocity FC, FJ FC, WonderXchange FC, SGIC FC, Salem FC, Ipata Signatures, Elite FC, Victory Lions, Celecal Stars, RawGold Soccer Academy, Alagbaka FC, and Akure City the King FC.