A spectacle performance by HB Utility of Ilupeju has earned them the winners’ trophy of the 5th edition of JOF U-13 Cup Football Tournament.
Watched by dignitaries who included Managing Director of the sponsor company, JOF Nigeria Ltd, Dr Olusegun Olugboyegun and a host of others, it was a ding dong affair between HB Utility and their opponents, Zamadek Football Club from Lagos Island, but the boys from Ilupeju were too much for their foes as they triumphed 3-0 in the final match.
In the third-place match for Latoyam FC from Coker Aguda defeated Orile Iganmu’s Strong Dove FC 1-0.
Dr. Olugboyegun explained that the tournament should give hope to the grassroots players, adding that he was pleased with the football talent shown by the young players. He expects some children to play in the Nigerian national teams in the future.
” I am very happy with what I saw today. The players participating in this tournament are not only 13 years old, but some are also 10 years old, and I understand that the Captain of HB Utility is a 9-year-old. The boys we saw today were also promising, so they are young with promising future.
” Now that this tournament is over this year, we will select some of those who will join the JOF All-Stars team. Since they will be over the age of 13, 14 and 15 at that time, they will spend the next few months in camp playing with their age groups before the team will be disbanded. While in the camp, we will expose them to other things outside the pitch, teach them to make them believe that their talents can see them through in life,” Olugboyegun said.
The champions returned home with trophies, gift bags and N750,000, while the first runners won N500,000, the second and third runners won N350,000 and N250,000 respectively.
The Most Valuable Player of the tournament was Ayomide Atiga from HB Utility team, the best scorer was Agbolade Abdullahi from Zamadek Boys team, and the best goalkeeper of the tournament was Steve Oyerinde from HB Utility team.
