Ojo Oniyun Centre, Ebutte Metta, Lagos, wore a festive look at the weekend when fans gathered to witness the best of youth football at the JOF All Stars U-13 football challenge.

Featuring teams presented by the JOF 2023 and 2024 sets, the encounter filled with high-energy speed runs and promising performances from future soccer stars, was witnessed by football enthusiasts, including Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of JOF Nigeria Limited, Dr. Olusegun Olugboyegun, who sponsored the teams, his friends, family members, associates, and business partners, as well as many other dignitaries.

The game got off to an exciting start with 2023 team’s Emmanuel Dosu scoring the opening goal in the seventh-minute. But when the fans thought they were in for a one-sided game, JOF All Stars 2024 responded with a well-crafted goal from Alabi Wasiu in the 15th minute.

Both teams traded tackles, runs and goals as another goal by Adeyinka Saidi for JOF 2023 was promptly replied by the 2024 boys.

The first half became a game of tactics and caution with neither of the teams willing to commit bodies too forward, but the 2023 boys stole the lead towards the end with a well-crafted goal scored by Michael Joshua.

The first half ended 3-2 in 2023 JOF All Stars’ favour.

With defeat staring them in the face, 2024 JOF All Stars came into the second half looking for the goal that would bring them at par with their opponents, but the 2023 boys held their own to end the encounter 3-2.

Speaking after the game, JOF Nigeria Limited’s Director of Logistics and Strategy, Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji, explained that the game was organised to monitor the boys’ development.

He said: “We’ve been interested in their development since we disbanded the JOF All Stars teams for those years.

“We’ve been organising training for them, motivating them not to give up on their soccer skills, dreams, and education, while also working on their morals outside the pitch. We’re proud of the boys and their good ambassadorship.”

With proper training and guidance, he added, the talented youngsters could become stars tomorrow.