Juventus Kiddies Football Academy emerged as champions of the second edition of the Champion Football tournament, held at the Government Day Secondary School, Karuma Ilorin, Kwara State.
In the U-13 category, Juventus Kiddies Football Academy defeated Kingshood Academy 5-4 on penalties, after the match ended goalless in regulation time.
In the U-16 category, Juventus Kiddies Football Academy edged Shooting Stars Academy 3-2 to emerge champions. Muritala Rasheed opened the scoring for Juventus Kiddies Football Academy from the spot early in the first half. Abdulazeez Sodiq doubled their lead a few minutes later. Ismail Abdulsamad converted a penalty late in the first half to reduce the deficit, giving Shooting Stars Academy a lifeline going into the break.
With five minutes into the second half, Hassan Malik restored Juventus Kiddies’ two-goal lead, making it 3-1 and a huge mountain to climb for Shooting Stars Academy. Despite their relentless pressure, Shooting Stars Academy’s efforts paid off when Isa Adulbasit scored, but it was too little, too late, as the referee blew the final whistle.
The competition was organized by Champion Football Academy, supported by Hon. Yakub Ajadi Babatunde, Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Honorable Minister for Youth Development.
Speaking at the tournament, Hon. Yakub Babatunde Prudent commended the organizer Aremu Solihu and added that the tournament unifies the youth. He promised to make it a yearly program and advised the youth to remain patriotic, love their country, and be committed to trying their best.
