The much anticipated President Unity Football U-17 YSFON tournament kicked off in Akure, Ondo state capital yesterday, October 8, 2024, with teams displaying football artistry to the admiration of spectators at the St Peters Unity school field.
Host team, Ondo defeated their counterpart from Ekiti 3-1 in the Opening match.
The Coach Sunday Taiwo tutored side showed class from the start of the match, exerting their dominance which led to a goal in the opening 15 minutes of the tie.
The game was pushed beyond Ekiti U-17 YSFON side when the Ondo state team dazzled up-front with a good combination of passes which led to two more goals before a consolation was scored by visiting the Ekiti state team.
The coach of the winning team, Sunday Taiwo commended the efforts of his players, though blamed his attackers who failed to convert clear cut chances in the latter part of the game.
“I’m glad we won our first match which we won convincingly, more games to go and we will tackle each other as we progress”
On why he was not too happy with his attackers during the game, he said scoring matters in competitions like this.
“It’s an age grade tournament, and I’m aware other states came with talented young stars. It’s always good to make use of an opportunity when it comes your way, so I was furious they weren’t scoring the goals when they ought to”
Vice Chairman, YSFON, Ondo state, Coach Tayo Onilude, who briefed journalists after the opener said the country is blessed with talents that needs the support and encouragement of every stakeholder.
“We just witnessed football at its best among young stars. Let’s continue to support these lads and I believe they will rule our Nation in a few years with proper monitoring”
Tayo Onilude, who is the Chairperson, Ondo state football Coaches Association advised football stakeholders to help revive soccer at the grassroots so we can stop over reliance on ageing footballers.
“I appreciate a very few football stakeholders who saw the vision of YSFON and keyed into it and I’m glad the tournament started after much delays here and there”
She said it’s time for those individuals who believe they are indeed football stakeholders to help organizations and individuals nurture talents especially in Ondo state.
“Now is the time for football stakeholders to rise up and help discover talents and nurture them, also competitions like this not only exposes the players and make them better. It exposes the coaches too and help them develop. Our philanthropists should come and help make a mark, because government can’t do it all alone”
The tournament ends on the 12th of October, 2024.