Host state Oyo has emerged winners of the Southwest zonal Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) U-16 Boys’ Football Tournament.
In an entertaining final decided at Prospect High School, Abanla Idi-Ayunre Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan, and watched by an appreciable spectator, the state defeated hard fighting Ekiti State by 4-3 penalties after their game ended 0-0 at regulation time.
In his remarks after the finals, Vice President Southwest of YSFON, Alabi Rafiu Abayomi commended all the five states that took part in the competition and the players for displaying a spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
“I’ m very excited with the successful hosting of this tournament coupled with the football artistry displayed by the players and the good officiating which helped in having a hitch-free tournament.
“Kudos must also go to the five states that took part in the competition namely; Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti, and I believe that by the time the next edition is held, all the six states in the zone will be part of the championship because it will go a long way in developing grassroots football in the zone.”
Alabi was full of praises for the national body of YSFON for coming up with the noble idea of having zonal championships aimed at developing football in all the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Southwest zonal secretary of the body, Olufemi Ilori said the zone is ready to maintain its leadership position in grassroots football development in the country.