The finalists have emerged in the 3rd edition of the Ilechukwu U-13 grassroot football tournament which kicked off on August 7 in Lagos.
The grassroot football tourney is a pet project of former MFM FC now Plateau United of Jos Head Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu.
Mighty Star and five other teams, Akeweje, Simario, BamiseGod, U.G.C and Living legend took part in this year’s edition.
U.G.C were first to book a ticket in the finals after they defeated Living Legend 4-2 in a thrilling semi-final game.
It was a one-sided affair for BamiseGod as they pummeled depending champions Mighty Stars 4-1 to book a date in the final with U.G.C at the Abete Playing Ground in Iwaya, Sabo-Yaba.
A delighted Ilechukwu said after the finalists emerged, “I want to give the organisation and standard of this year’s edition a pass mark but there is also room for improvement, as the plan is to give more grassroot players the needed platform to showcase their talents.
” I have seen a few quality players in this edition and I have hope that they will go places in their careers shortly.”
Coaches of both teams have given kudos to the Plateau United gaffer for sustaining the championship as they look forward to winning the trophy.
BamiseGod FC coach, Bamise said after his team’s triumph, “A big relief for my boys as we had fallen short of getting to the finals of the last two editions. Their hard work has paid off, so we hope to cap all the good work we have done by winning the trophy against U. G.C.”
“I also want to use this medium to appreciate Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu for bankrolling the tournament in the last three years, the team pray God that Camara achieves success after he joined Plateau United from Heartland.”
A date for the final will be made known by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Ilechukwu U-13 grassroot football tournament.
