BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
Shuffle Select Football Academy proved bookmakers wrong after defeating Arewa Warrior Football Academy in the final of the Agege U-15 Developmental Championship.
The final which was held on Saturday at the NYSC Camp football pitch, Iyana-Ipaja, Alimosho, Lagos saw Shuffle Select defeat Arewa Warrior 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a barren draw in the regulation time.
Before the final, Arewa Warrior was the favourite to win the tournament following their impressive performance in their previous matches.
The pulsating final was tough for Arewa Warrior as Shuffle Select gave them a run for their money during the encounter.
Both teams created some scoring chances but failed to convert their chances before it went into the penalty shootout.
Reacting to the victory, Shuffle Select Coach, Ashifat Abolore said it was a tough encounter but noted that his boys were lucky to have won the game through the penalty shootout.
At the presentation ceremony, outstanding players were given awards and all the participating teams received certificates of participation.
Some invited guests also received certificates of appreciation for their contribution to the football development in Agege and its environs.
Aside from the trophy and medals received by the two finalists, the champions also went home with N60,000, while the first runner-up pocketed N40,000.
Leader of Agege Football Coaches Council, Olumide Ajayi in his vote of thanks, commended his council members for the job well done and thanked the invited guests who were not only present but gave their financial support for the organisers to make this year’s edition a huge success.
