By Kayode Afolabi, Ore

The maiden edition of the Seun Albert U-17 Unity Cup concluded in grand style as Winners FA emerged victorious, claiming the championship title after a tense final showdown against Opeyemi FA.

The final match, held at the Beulah Playing Field in Ore, was a gripping contest that ended goalless after regulation time. 

Despite creating several scoring opportunities and dominating possession, Winners FA were unable to find a breakthrough, thanks to the disciplined and resilient defence of Opeyemi FA.

A key moment in the match came when Winners FA’s Johnson nearly gave his side the lead with a powerful header, only to be denied by a stunning save from Opeyemi FA’s goalkeeper, Taofiq Owonikoko.

With no goals scored in regulation time, the match proceeded to penalty shootouts to determine the winner. In the dramatic shootout, Winners FA held their nerve. Goalkeeper Adeniyi Ayorinde was the hero of the night, making three crucial saves to secure a 3-1 victory for his team.

The win marked a historic milestone for Winners FA as they lifted the Seun Albert U-17 Unity Cup trophy for the first time. The players and coaching staff celebrated joyously, proud of their hard-earned victory.

Speaking after the match, the sponsor of the tournament, Mr. Seun Albert, congratulated Winners FA and commended all the teams for their sportsmanship and dedication.

“This Seun Albert U-17 Unity Cup is aimed at promoting unity and sportsmanship among young athletes in Ore,” he said. “The tournament provided a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and gain exposure. Indeed, the tournament’s success has set the stage for future editions.”

The final was witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd, with supporters of both teams turning up in large numbers. The atmosphere was electric as fans held their breath during the decisive penalty shootout, making it a memorable climax to an inspiring tournament.