Get Guardian on GoogleCommissioner Commends Organisers
Former Super Eagles star, Mutiu Adepoju and Oyo State Sports Commissioner, Seun Fakorede have urged more corporate organisations to invest in grassroots football development to help the country regain its place in world soccer.
The duo, who could not hide their excitement at the level of talents on display during the grand finale of the maiden MerryBet5Stars Premier League, which ended at Ilaji Sports Resort Mini Stadium, Ibadan, said such programmes would give many hidden talents opportunity to display their skills and be discovered for further grooming.
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The final of the MerryBet5Stars Premier League saw northern regional champions, 12 Strong FC, outclassing their southern counterparts, Snowlions FC, 2-1 to emerge as the inaugural champions.
12 Strong FC took the lead in the 15th minute through Lawrence Hassan, who made hay when Snowlions’ Goalkeeper, Okonkwo Abubakar’s blinder.
The northern side made scores 2-0 in the 52nd through Sadiq Saleh converted a loose ball in the Snowlions’ defence off a corner kick delivered by Farouk Sajo.
Snowlions would pull one back through a penalty from skipper Akanbi in the 58th minute but it would prove to be a little too late as 12 Strong held on for a historic win.
Speaking after the game, Adepoju commended the organisers for investing in grassroots football development, while calling on other outfits to join in efforts to develop then game in the country.
Also speaking on the competition, Managing Director, 5stars Football, Olumide Aturu, said, “the league, next season, will be expanded to accommodate other zones.”
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