After letting in two late goals that ensured they lost their first match in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) U-17 championship against Lobi Stars yesterday, Kwara United this morning bounced back, beating Niger Tornadoes by a lone goal.
Olatunji Yusuf scored the lone goal in the 39th minute, to take his goal tally after two matches to three, having scored the two goals against Lobi Stars in the first match.
Kwara United started the match against Lobi Stars on a fine note, but had to cave in to late minute pressure due to fatigue, and conceded two late goals.
Olatunji’s goal secured the victory for Kwara United, to restore hope for the team.
Plateau United had earlier beaten Niger Tornadoes 4-0 in the first match yesterday, and lost their second game today to Lobi Stars by a lone goal.
Lobi Stars leads the table with six maximum points after two matches, ahead of their last game against Niger Tornadoes, while both Kwara United and Plateau United have three points each, but with difference in goals scored and conceded.
The Coordinator of the Lafia center of the NPFL U17 Youth League, Barrister Paul Edeh had, in a meeting with all the representatives assured that all mechanisms will be put in place to ensure hitch-free games.
While welcoming the teams, he said that: “For far too long underage tournament were never given priority in Nigeria until now, this actually led Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye to initiate a process where younger players can transit into main teams of all apex teams in Nigeria as it is done globally”.
“Those we really, truly need to appreciate are the coordinators and the coaches who made sure that these players are trained despite the lean resources”.
Barrister Paul Edeh went on to revealed to all the representatives that all the teams are family and also clamored on the fact that discipline should be the watchword for all the teams.
“You have to prepare your mind to enjoy whatever result you get as a team and this is to let you know that some people will win or lose. learn to enjoy whatever comes your way and don’t throw tantrums”.
PICTURE CAPTION:
(L-R )The Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa presenting the Man of the Match award to Olatunji Yusuf of Kwara United U17, supported by the Secretary, NPFL Youth League and Assistant Coordinator, North Central Zone, Dr. Sunday Obaseki. Kwara United U17 Won Niger Tornadoes 1-0.
Thanks to the management and coaches ,also the players, I real appreciate the team kwaran as they show the nation and world that they came from discipline state ,. I wish them an accident Free journey back home whenever they are come back as I pray also that victory shall be their rewards for their efforts, agility and we’ll behaved during the encounters.
Love you all.