Buruj Sports Academy emerged champions of the youth tournament concluded at the weekend in Manchester, United Kingdom (UK)
The Lagos based academy were the cynosure of all at the tournament which had teams from over 20 countries across the world competing as the Nigerian boys displayed exceptional skills right from the preliminary round.
Buruj Sports Academy who competed in the Manchester tournament for the first time faced a tough opposition in the final but Wit Worth Park Football Academy who are playing at home failed to ruin their party.
Azeez Oseni who has been a revelation at the tournament netted the lone goal that secured a deserved 1-0 win for the Ikorodu based side.
An elated Chief Executive Officer of the Academy, Salaudeen Waheed said the boys really proved themselves by winning the tournament against all odd.
“I’m very glad and so proud of these boys because what achieved today has shown that Nigeria is really blessed with talents and we must continue to create a platform like this for upcoming players and my hope is to see these boys play at the highest level in the near future”.
While commending the support of his partner and proprietor of 36 Lion Football Club, Gafar Liammed who flew from Lagos to Manchester to motivate the players, Salaudeen praised the Lagos state football association and the Nigeria football federation for their contributions toward the trip.
“36 Lion Football club has three of their players in the team because the club owner, Liameed believes in our dreams. I hope other club owners can take a cue from him. Corporate organisations and sponsors can also support youth development by giving opportunity to talented young players to play more in tournament like this”
Buruj Academy defeated Pro Soccer Academy from London 3-1 in their opening game and followed it up with another 4-0 bashing of New Saints Academy from Cardiff, Wales. They lost to Future Elevens Academy 2-0 but bounced back to win their last group B game against Elite Soccer Academy from the United States of America 1-0 before their emphatic 3-1 win againsPro Soccer Academy Team B in the semi-final.
Buruj Academy is the first team from Africa to win the prestigious tournament which is globally recognised and organised by Team Tours Direct.