Defending Champions, Arsenal Kiddies Football Academy defeated hard fighting Eshin FA Boys 4-1 in a cagging final yesterday, Monday December 23, 2024, to win the 5th edition of Dr. Chukwudi Ogbolu U13 Kids Cup (CKC).
The final match, which was watched by a capacity crowd at A-Division Police playing field, saw Eshin FA take the lead in the 5th minute of first half.
In the 20th minute, after the interplay of brilliant passes, Arsenal Kiddies equalized and sent the home supporters into a rapture jubilation.
At the resumption of the second half, Eshin FA, growing in confidence, continued to ask questions of their opponents. Against the run of play, Arsenal Kiddies bounced on a loose ball following a defensive blunder by Eshin boys to increase the tally.
Five minutes later, Arsenal Kiddies regained their rhythm with interplay of penetrative passes. A combination play between the young midfield maestro, Master Vincent Ajayi and mercurial, Goodluck Oladimeji resulted in the Arsenal Kiddies’ third goal.
Coach Kanu of Arsenal Kiddies made two tactical changes in the dying minutes of the game and this resulted in the fourth goal, after an interchange of telegraphic passes by the Kiddies.
Credit must be given to the home supporters of Arsenal kiddies who conducted themselves with dignity, maturity and continous cheering of the kids throughout the duration of the game.
In his closing remarks at the occasion, while promising to be physically present at the next year’s edition, the sponsor of the tournament, Dr. Chukwudi Ogbolu, a US-based Medical Practitioner/Philanthropist, congratulated all the participating teams and urged them to always put in their best.
He thanked the organizer of the tournament, LaLiga trained Coach, Soni Ahamioje and the volunteers for their love and passion in the development of football at the grassroots.
Finally, he used the opportunity to wish all the players and club officials a Merry Christmas and a happy new year in advance.
The high point of this year’s edition was the unveiling of the official Gorilla Mascot for the Dr. Chukwudi Ogbolu Kids Cup Tournament.
Huge cash Prizes were given to the best four teams as well as presentation of certificates. Cash prizes were given to the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Goalkeeper and Highest Goal Scorer of the tournament.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Coach (Sir) Paul Odey, who doubled as the Father of the Day, also donated cash to the best players of the tournament.
