A grassroots soccer outfit, Denver Football Club of Onuata, Enugu has lifted the Enugu State 2025 Under-15 Grassroot Football Tournament trophy.
Denver outscored their Old Park counterparts, Lionaires Football Club by two goals to nothing to clinch the coveted trophy.
The fantastic two goals all came in the second half of the game as the first half ended goalless in spite of dogged efforts of both teams to overpower the other.
In the third place match, Young Stars FC of Iva Valley beat Emirate FC of Abakpa by four goals to one to take the third position and bronze medal.
Emirate only goal was even an own goal by the Young Stars through a defensive error by Young Stars defender, who instead of clearing, headed the ball into their own post.
Happy with the outcome of the encounters, the Enugu State Football Association (ESFA) rewarded both teams and best players with cash awards running into thousands of naira.
Speaking at the occasion, the FA chairman, Barr. Tony Ugwu, expressed joy at the level of play exhibited by the boys, saying that they have been trying to catch them young.
Ugwu said the tournament has continued to improve since it began four years ago and has continued to improve.
“Four years ago, we started. Last year, it improved, today, improvement and next year we expect improvement. More discoveries are being made. The tactical play is wonderful,” he said adding that, “we are trying to discover them at this level.”
The FA boss appreciated the Enugu state government and other sponsors that made the tournament a huge success.
He thanked especially the former vice president of NFF, Sheyi Akinwumi, a special guest who gave scholarship to two outstanding players.
Commissioner for Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, while appreciating the outcome of the tournament said it has continued to improve and get better and bigger.
“This is getting bigger every year. We saw one last year and this year, it is much bigger. You can see the quality of football at this level has improved.
“They played very good ball and it shows that their future is bright,” he said.
Ekweremadu thanked former 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Seyi Akinwumi for giving scholarships to two best players.
Akinwumi expressed joy that the boys are displaying their talents.
“The talents here are immense. I am glad to see the quality of football displayed here,” he said.
He said he has continued to sponsor grassroots football across Nigeria to harness budding soccer talents.