First timer, Okuta Football Academy of Benin, Tuesday evening, emerged champions of the second Bright Osayi-Samuel U13 Boys Football Tournament after defeating Samco City Football Academy by two goals to nil in front of a lively fan base and dignitaries present to grace the competition finale.
The young kids defied the rain to showcase their God given talents in front of the tournament sponsor, knitting together passes, cutting every area of the green grass with so much energy and enthusiasm as their might could carry.
Following the ceremonial handshakes and group photo, the sponsor, Bright Osayi Samuel, took the ceremonial kickoff to signal the kickoff.
Samco City took charge of the proceedings from the blast of the whistle and impressed the crowd with their pace and swift playing style, which left their opponents powerless, though they could not make the pressing count.
Okuta FC remained resolute, organised, and resilient as both sides battled hard to break the deadlock —no goal could tell the intensity of the first half.
At halftime, the Super Eagles defender made a heartwarming gesture by presenting a set of footballs to Bendel Insurance FC as part of his contribution to the club.
The heaven windows were opened afterwards and caused a brief delay in the resumption of the second half. But once play resumed, it was Okuta FC who took control. Eric Momoh opened the scoring with a stunning curler that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Moments later, Uwa Ijesuobo doubled their lead, heading home a rebound from a corner.
As the final whistle sounded, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium erupted in celebration. Okuta FC were crowned tournament champions, with Osakpolor Edopolor earning Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.
Namo FC clinches third place in a thrilling finale.
Earlier in the losers’ final, Namo FC and Delight FC went head to head under a soft shower.
Namo FC approached the first period of the game with caution, spending much of the early minutes on the defensive boot. Delight FC initiated more promising attacks but was wasteful in the final third. Namo FC held firm defensively to keep the score level.
The tempo picked up in the second half, with both sides creating opportunities. Namo FC broke the deadlock courtesy of Blessed Uduak, who capitalised on a goalkeeping error; he composed himself to slot into an empty net, having dragged the goalkeeper out of position.
The goal sparked the game into life as Delight FC began searching for an equaliser. While the hunting continued for an equaliser, Uduak struck again, almost similar to his first, benefiting from another defensive lapse to double the lead and complete his brace.
Delight FC fought hard, but Namo FC held their nerve to secure a deserved 2–0 win and finish the tournament in third place. Unsurprisingly, Blessed Uduak was named Man of the Match for his contributions.
Present at the finals were Edo State FA Chairman, Mr. Fred Newton; FA board member Mikhail Igbinovia; Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Hon. Desmond Enabulele; and Commission Executive Directors Baldwin Bazuaye and Hon. Frank Ilaboya.
Proceeding the final was the award presentation ceremony —honouring standout performers across the tournament:
Youngest Player of the Tournament: Gabriel Festus (Samco FC)
Fair Play Award: Shooting Arrows FC
Best Goalkeeper: Osayande Jeremiah (Delight FC)
Best Defender: Aimuamwonsa Osemwigie (Delight FC)
Highest Goal Scorer: Blessed Uduak (Namo FC)
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Prosper Izibili (Samco FC)