In a stunning display of resilience and tactical prowess, Valour 1107 FC orchestrated a magnificent comeback to overwhelm highly-rated Alajede Active 4-1 in yesterday’s Professor Do Easter Cup quarter-final clash. The emphatic victory, which featured goals from four different Valour players, has sent shockwaves through the Ikorodu football community and announced Valour 1107 FC as serious contenders for the prestigious trophy.
Alajede’s Early Dominance
The match began with Alajede Active showcasing the quality that had earned them second place in last season’s Ikorodu Divisional Football League. Dominating possession and winning virtually every 50/50 challenge, they quickly established control of the midfield, translating their superiority into a deserved opening goal in the 24th minute when their Number 8, Imole finished clinically to give the favorites a 1-0 lead.
For the next fifteen minutes, Alajede continued to threaten, with their fluid attacking movements suggesting more goals were imminent. Their supporters, who had packed the east stand of Gberigbe Primary School Mini Stadium, were in full voice, sensing a comfortable progression to the semi-finals.
Star Power Neutralized
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the match was Alajede’s offensive struggles despite boasting significant firepower. Even with the presence of Obasi, the 2023/2024 Ikorodu Divisional Football League’s second-highest goal scorer, and international player Mololo in their ranks, Alajede struggled remarkably for goals after their initial breakthrough. Valour’s defensive organization gradually nullified these attacking threats, forcing Alajede’s star players into increasingly frustrated and ineffective positions.
The Turning Point
Against the run of play, Valour 1107’s Number 10, Marcus Henry, silenced the Alajede faithful in the 39th minute with a spectacular equalizer that transformed the complexion of the match. The goal appeared to inject renewed belief into the Valour ranks while simultaneously planting seeds of doubt in the Alajede camp.
As the teams emerged for the second half, there was a palpable shift in momentum. Valour 1107 FC, previously on the back foot, began to assert themselves with increasing confidence.
Second-Half Masterclass
Ten minutes after the restart, Valour’s Number 8, Samson Pelumi, completed the turnaround with a composed finish to make it 2-1, sending their supporters into raptures. The goal triggered visible frustration among the Alajede players, culminating in a yellow card for their Number 14 following a reckless challenge born of desperation.
Sensing vulnerability, Valour pressed their advantage. In the 61st minute, their Number 2, Adebule Gbolahan, added a third with a sublime free-kick that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot, effectively puncturing Alajede’s resistance. The uncharacteristic collapse of the Ikorodu giants continued as they struggled to recreate their early-game dominance.
A brief flashpoint saw Valour’s Number 3 enter the referee’s book, but this minor setback did little to disrupt their control. With the match entering its final stages, Valour’s Number 4, Quadri Tajudeen, delivered the coup de grâce in the 89th minute, his goal sealing an emphatic 4-1 victory and completing Alajede’s misery.
Tactical Masterstroke
“We knew Alajede would start strong—they’re not second in the Ikorodu Division by accident,” revealed Valour’s jubilant coach afterward. “Our plan was to weather the early storm and grow into the game. When they scored, we didn’t panic; we trusted our process and the players executed perfectly.”
For Alajede Active, this defeat represents a significant setback. Having built a reputation for consistency and mental fortitude throughout last season’s impressive league campaign, their second-half capitulation raises questions about their ability to perform under pressure in knockout competitions. The inability of their attacking stars Obasi and Mololo to influence the game will be particularly concerning for their coaching staff.
Semi-Final Bound
Valour 1107 FC now advance to the Professor Do Easter Cup semi-finals with momentum firmly behind them. After dispatching one of Ikorodu’s elite teams in such convincing fashion, they’ve firmly established themselves as dark horses for the title.
As the sun set over Gberigbe Primary School Mini Stadium, the Valour players conducted their victory lap to thunderous applause, celebrating not just a semi-final berth but a performance that will be remembered long after this year’s Professor Do Easter Cup champion is crowned.
Valour 1107 FC 4-1 Alajede Active Scorers: Valour 1107 FC – Marcus Henry (39′), Samson Pelumi (55′), Adebule Gbolahan (61′, free-kick), Quadri Tajudeen (89′) | Alajede Active – No. 8 (24′)
