Madiba FC Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson, Alhaja Adebisi Adeyemi Basirat was filled with emotion and pride as her team’s first full season at the Nation-wide League One [NLO] ended in promotion to the Nigeria National League [NNL].
The Oshodi, Lagos state based team secured promotion to the Nigeria National League via penalties after one-all result against Beyond Limit FC of Ogun state in play-off final at Lekan Salami stadium to book their first appearance to the most important league in Nigeria.
For the very first time in the history of National-wide League One, Madiba FC were unbeaten in 14 league matches after ten wins and four draws. Their promotion achievement is unmatched in the league history, they were undefeated and named as the invincibles.
Alhaja Adebisi Adeyemi Basirat told OyoSportsNews
“I feel emotional and it’s good to see my team promote to Nigeria National League. The journey started many years back as boys/grassroot club. Back then, we play friendlies within and outside Lagos, Epe, Ikorodu and Ogun state. Madiba as a football club has been existing for years but in 2018, we made our debut in the league and to the glory of God, we have come to stay.”
“This promotion means a lot to me, my family and most especially to the players, I’m overwhelmed and fulfilled. Our target is to make statement in the league and secure the promotion ticket. Madiba FC is the first club in Oshodi-Isolo to play at the NLO and also gain promotion to the NNL. No club has been to able to achieve that”.
“As a new football administrator and club owner in the Nigeria league and being a female, It wasn’t easy right from the playoffs at Ikenne but my players were determined with the little motivation we provided”.
Asked how the promotion ticket was achieved, Alhaja Adebisi Adeyemi Basirat replied OyoSportsNews:
” Firstly, I want to thank God Almighty for this feat, I also want to thank all well wishes, coaching crew and my players. We had at least two month solid preparations before the league, we only played one friendly match which was deliberate, the preparations and tempo in the camp were high and I think that really helped us”. She concluded.
