New Era football Academy lost narrowly to glorious Arsenal Kiddies FA in the final match of the 1st edition of the Olakunle Olusegun U13 Kwara Kids Cup tournament.
Vincent Ajayi, the Captain of the Arsenal kiddies scored the first goal for the Ilorin-based side in the 10th minutes of the keenly contested game played at the ‘A’ Division Police Barrack playing field on Sunday 24th of December, 2023.
Habeeb Musa made it 2-0 to conclude the first half. At the resumption of the second half, substitute, Victor John increased the tally to 3-0.
New Era Boys, sensing heavy defeat changed their tactics and reduced the tally with Korede Ekeji scoring from close range. In the dying minutes of the game, a penalty was awarded to the New Era Boys, which was converted, bringing the game to 3-2.
In a chat with Sportspro News Correspodent, Coach Soni Aamioje, the Founder and Technical Director of Arsenal Kiddies FA, who is also the Organizer of the tournament stated that the competition was organized to give back to the society.
“Olakunle Olusegun is a product of the grassroots and he has decided to give back to his constituency.
“We are keen on giving everybody a sense of belonging in this competition. It is not all about winning but discovering and developing young talents”, he added.
The highlights of the day were the presentation of a Special Merit Award to Olakunle Olusegun for being the first player of the Academy to play in FIFA U17 World Cup and also, the first to play professional football in Europe.
Also, the YSFON Chairman, Mallam Ademola Kiyesola awarded the winning team, Arsenal Kiddies FA the ticket to represent kwara State in the next edition of the YSFON organized CNS National U14 Boys Soccer Tournament in Enugu state.
DSP Osaze A. A, the OC Band of the Kwara State Police Command, Sportspro News Publisher, Bayour Issah, Kwara State YSFON Chairman, Mallam Ademola Kayeishola, the father and mother of the sponsor, Mr. and Mrs. Alayode Olusegun were all among the dignitaries at the final match.
