Defending Champions Katsina United retained the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs/ Spanish Laliga U-15 title after defeating Warri Wolves 4-2 on penalties.
Katsina United cruised to their second successive victory in the final following a 1-1 pulsating draw at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Sports Stadium Enugu on Sunday.
The tournament had lasted for two weeks with total of 16 clubs from the NPFL participated in this year’s edition and was witnessed by top officials of both NPFL and the nation’s football governing body, Nigeria Football Federation NFF.
Initiated three seasons ago under a partnership between Spanish Laliga and League Management Company of Nigeria, (LMC), organisers of the NPFL, the tournament is geared towards unearthing young soccer talents across Nigeria.
In a brief interview with sports journalists at the end of the final encounter, Technical Director of the National team, Austin Eguavon, expressed satisfaction with the soccer artistry displayed by the boys during the games.
He said the Championship was fantastic, stressing that “the games were very entertaining, and am also very pleased with the organization”.
He added that the competition would assist in fishing out hidden talents that will replace aging players in the nearest future.
The Ex- Super Eagles Coach, however, advocated the establishment of U-13 and 16 clubs by the Professional Football League Clubs, saying it will also help in the development of the nation’s football.
Also speaking, ex- international and Laliga Ambassador, Mutiu Adepoju, said the boys really proved themselves.
“The game was fantastic, and am really impressed with the display by the players from various clubs that participated.
“Although, there may be areas for improvement, which is a normal in human life, but the truth remains that the competition was okay”, he stated.
