The second edition of the Bright Osayi-Samuel U-13 boys football competition will, on the last day of May, see the last eight slots fought for by participating teams in what has been tagged a weekend of survivals by followers of the competition.
The last sixteen teams demonstrated character and capacity, besting their opponents at the second knockout stage of the competition across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Three venues (Auchi public field, Uwa Primary School, Lucky Igbinedion Football Complex) will host 8 matches as the last 16 teams in the competition slug it out for quarter-final tickets in the money-spinning tournament.
Hostilities start at the Auchi public field, at 9 am Saturday between Rising Stars football club and CEFA football club in the Edo North region. Rising Stars, who beat Ultimate Star by a lone goal, will match up against Camp Elite, who were all over Ultimate Stars 1 with a 3-1 win. The two sides are expected to be at each other’s neck throughout the game going by the history between them.
Ogbomo FC and their opponents in the round of 16, Unique Light FC, both won their round of 32 games with a 2-goal margin (2-0) against ADSS and 3-1 against Bronze FC, respectively. With their goals scoring ability, many are tipping Unique Light FC, but the young kids of Ogbomo will want to shut their critics when they both match up at the Uwa Primary School, on Saturday.
Shavik FC, who, alongside Samco City, scored the highest goals (5) in the last, will take on Ine Stars, who humiliated Restoration FC 4-1 to get to this stage — the match is also set for the Uwa Primary school football pitch on Saturday afternoon.
Samco’s attack would be tested once again when they face Rolly FC at the same venue as Shavik FC at 3 pm. Rolly FC has been a decent side so far this season with their newly recruited kids showcasing what they have in their tiny but skilful feet. So we look forward to a big cracker between the two sides at the Uwa primary school.
The Lucky Igbinedion football centre will see four games go down in what is to be another venue with fireworks and football artistry. Edo Young Stars handed Ugbowo bombers three unreplied goals and will now face Angels FC who beat Powerhouse 2-1 in the round of 32.
It’s a battle of rock between Rockers FC and Okuta FC, two sides known for scoring goals, but it is Rockers who many would expect to win going by their wide margin of goals (5) scored against Blossom in the round of 32. Okuta FC is also a high-scoring side, having sent packing Etto FC with a 3-1 win in the last phase.
Shooting Arrows will aim to shoot down Namo FC in the 7th match of the round of 16 after shooting down Crown Hill FC in the last match, but Namo, who saw Royal Force FC 3-2, will also bring to the fore their best game, for a cracker in anticipation.
Spunky FC spanked Crescent Sports Club 4-2 and will have their work cut out when they match up against high-scoring Delight FA, who humbled Oliha FC 3-0 to get to this stage.
There is so much potential in the young players who have showcased their skills, demonstrated enthusiasm, engaged in competitive play, exhibited creativity, and scored impressive goals throughout the tournament. They have no doubt, added excitement to the tournament, to the amazement of the cheering crowds.