U-14 football league lights up Ajegunle
Ajegunle came alive with football fever as the maiden Nathaniel Idowu Foundation U-14 Football League kicked off at the Nathaniel Idowu Pitch, Oregie, Ajegunle-Apapa, Lagos.
The opening weekend was nothing short of spectacular, producing 21 goals in six matches and igniting hopes for an electrifying season ahead.
The competition, organised by the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Sports Council with the backing of the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, is more than just a league—it is a vision to nurture grassroots football and give young players a stage to shine.
Fans were treated to dazzling performances: Fortune FC’s 5–0 demolition of Divinely Blessed FC set the tone, while Strong Dove FC’s 5–1 triumph over Best of Best FC added to the fireworks.
Michael May FC and Ajegunle United shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw, Pure Talents FC overcame Coal City FC 2–0, Bright Future FC edged Moree Wins FC 2–1, and Sharp Talent FC sealed a 2–0 win over Young 11 FC.
Speaking at the opening, Director-General of the Sports Council, McAnthony Anaelechukwu, declared Ajegunle’s readiness to reclaim its pride of place as the “true home of football.”
He praised the foundation for its investment in facilities, including the iconic Maracana Stadium, urging other organisations to support grassroots initiatives.
With matches scheduled for weekends, the stakes are high: ₦500,000 awaits the champion, ₦300,000 for runners-up, ₦200,000 for third place, ₦75,000 for fourth place, and ₦50,000 each for fifth and sixth-place teams.
Beyond the boys’ league, the spotlight will also shine on girls, with the “Let Her Play” programme offering 10 weeks of football training for secondary school students from February 7 to April 11 at the New Maracana Stadium.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Ex-lawmaker urges Tinubu govt to focus reforms on jobs, food security
Mr Egoh said policies should enable small and medium enterprises to expand, describing them as key contributors to employment.
Education
WAEC appoints Kum, new Head, Nigeria National Office
Mr Kum succeeds Amos Josiah Dangut, the immediate past head of the national office (HNO), now the council’s registrar.
Sport
Super Sand Eagles coach highlights benefits of Senegal friendlies
Nigeria lost 4-6 to Senegal in the first friendly played on Saturday at the Murtala Muhammed Square Beach Soccer pitch, Kaduna.
Politics
IPAC urges sustained govt-party dialogue to address Nigeria’s challenges
Ms Akinade, however, said the success of the reforms should ultimately be measured by their impact on Nigerians’ daily lives.
States
Lagos consumers raise alarm over discoloured yam tubers
They noted the discolouration of the yams, which is discovered only after cutting them open.
Abuja
2027: First Lady mobilises 20,000 Abuja women for Tinubu’s re-election
Ms Akobundu said the gathering is expected to attract women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, grassroots organisers, and political stakeholders.
