Solace FC of Lugbe on Saturday in Abuja edged Golden Boys FC of Nyanya 1-0 in final of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) inter-faith youth football competition.
The tournament, which is in its maiden edition, is an initiative of Agatha Chikelue, the foundation’s Executive Director.
The tournament which kicked off on April 7 with a total of eight teams participating, came to an end with the grand finale played at the practice pitch at Package A of Abuja National Stadium on Saturday.
The first half was lively as Golden Boys FC started on the front foot and dominating the first 10 minutes with Joseph Ejeh having the best chance of the match.
He latched onto a floated pass inside the area, and connected well with his volley, but the goalkeeper parried the effort away for a corner.
Solace FC’s more measured approach was in contrast to their opponent’s as they gradually began to gather momentum and creating some chances of their own.
Clement Ogbobe was looking lively on the left flank, frequently running at the Golden Boys’ back three.
One of those runs ended in an excellent chance for George Osas, but he fluffed his effort straight at the goalkeeper.
Ogbobe then headed over when completely unmarked at the half hour mark.
At the other end Golden FC’s striker Ejeh eluded his marker to meet Daniel Ijaga’s free-kick at the far post, but again the goalkeeper made an excellent save.
Afterwards, chances for both sides were slim until Ogbobe opened the scoring with a sumptuous 20-yard strike in the 73rd minute.
The central defensive pair of Nigerian International Juwon Oshaniwa and Captain Clifford Asemota were a hard nut to crack as Solace FC held on for a lone goal victory.
Oshaniwa said in his post-match reaction that it was a thing of joy for him to participate in the tournament as a way of encouraging the young ones coming up in the sport.
“It’s good to be back to the grassroots to give back to the society the talent God has deposited in me.
“I must give kudos to the organisers for bringing youths from different religious backgrounds out of the streets and giving them an opportunity to display their skills and talents.
“There is no discrimination when it comes to football irrespective of where you come from, we are one and I think that is what we have witnessed here today,” he said.
In his remarks during the closing ceremony, the tournament’s patron, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, noted that the aim of the tournament had been achieved.
“I want to congratulate all the participants who played a part in the very first edition of this tournament.
“It was good to see both teams displaying good spirit of sportsmanship. Football is about being humble in victory and accepting defeat in good faith and that is what we saw displayed here today.
“Sports also teaches us to control our emotions when we are offended or feel aggrieved and I must commend you all for playing fairly and according to the rules.
“The whole idea is to translate all the lessons learnt here into our everyday lives.
“It is meant to use the game of football as a tool in building mutual respect among religious groups and fostering lasting peace, harmony and development,” he said.
The Tournament Manager, Augustine Nnakwe, told NAN that theme of this year’s tournament was ‘Soccer for Peace’.
He said that the next edition of the competition would be much more competitive and elaborate with no less than 32 teams participating.
Earlier in the day, tournament hosts COFP FC lost 0-3 to Puma FC of Karu in the third place match.
The most disciplined team award went to Y.P. Sports FC of Apo, while Joseph Eche of Golden Boys FC scooped the highest goal scorer award with 4 goals.
Lawrence David of COFP FC was adjudged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
Guests at the occasion were Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Archbishop of Abuja, Nuru Khalid, the Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque as well as other religious leaders of both the Christian and Muslim faiths. (NAN)
