From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Nigerian youths are battling for international recognition at the Ilaji Under Sixteen National Football Tournament put together by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), sponsored by the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort in Oyo State.
The first day of the event was full of emotion, with about 16 teams from across Nigeria in attendance. Immediately after the screening session, action commenced and the opening ceremony witnessed the presence of the Ilaji management team, led by the Chief Operating Officer, Prince Adesina Araoye, who was accompanied by a team of football scouts from Malta.
YSFON, whose technical ability was not in doubt, brought the expected finesse as fans had a field day. The opening ceremony saw the home side, the Ilaji Under Sixteen boys’ team, confronting their Ondo counterparts. The tension-soaked encounter later turned one-sided as the Ilaji team thrashed the Ondo U-16 team 7-0.
The scouts, led by Dr. Justin Fenech – President, Sweiqi United FC, Malta, could not hide their excitement as they gave kudos to the boys from both sides, whose individual talents were amazing. The National Secretary of YSFON, Olorogun Patrick Okpavhuere, and the Technical Director, Abdulgafar Agboola, have assured the fans that the days ahead will witness more intriguing action as all players are on their toes, waiting to be counted amongst the future stars.
The second day of the tournament promises to be more exciting as fans of various teams do not want to be left behind.
On Wednesday, Sanusi Boys will tackle Ekiti at 9:00 am, while the Lagos U-16 team will confront their Oyo counterparts at 10:00 am, and Osun will face Kebbi at 11:00 am.
Katsina will round off the day’s proceedings with Ondo at 2:00 pm. Being a round robin game, the group winners will qualify for the quarterfinals as the drumbeat gets louder.”