Patience Ogbo/
Dynamo FC has won the 2nd Edition of Gregory Imafidon Foundation under-15 boys football tournament.
Dynamo FC of Benin defeated Ines Stars FC of Benin on penalties by 5 goals to 4 after the match ended on a 2_2 draw.
The tournament, sponsored by Mr Gregory Imafidon a certified nursing practitioner based in Dallas, Texas, in the USA, was organised by the Federation of Youth Soccer clubs (FEYSOC) an affiliate of the Nigeria Football Federation.
The weeklong tournament, which had teams from the South-South zone of Nigeria, came to a close on August 31st at the University of Benin Sports complex.
Unique FC of Edo State defeated the Great Avengers FC of Delta State on penalties by 5-4 to win third-place match.
Present at the finals was former Super Eagles captain and coach Austin Eguavoen, his elder brother, Monday Eguavoen, and Isaac Uzamere Otata who has been of a great support.
Also present was 1985 under-17 ex-Super Eagles and the chief coach of Bendel Insurance FC, Baldwin Bazuaye; Europe-based ex-Bendel Insurance defender, Omoruyi Odiase, and Bendel Insurance assistant coach, Gregory Ikhenoba.
The high point of the day was the presentation of scholarship to two deserving players, Efe Ogiagbe of Ines FC Benin city and Emeka Utomi of Unique FC, Benin city.
Third place winner, Unique FC, got N70,000, while the runner-up, Ines stars FC of Benin got the sum of N100,000; and the overall champion, Dynamo FC Benin City got N150,000.
Medals were presented to the referees, third place winner, runner up and the overall champion. The best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, top scorer, MVP, coach, fair play team, and the outstanding player were also rewarded with cash and gift items.
Addressing reporters after the presentation of medals, cash, gifts and trophy, Mr Imafidon said the tournament would go national next year.
He said, “The annual competition is being organised to contribute towards the development of youth sports in Edo State with the ultimate aim of reducing the high rate of crime among youths. The ultimate goal is engaging the youth meaningfully, empowering the youths through skill acquisition, creating healthcare awareness, assisting the less privileged and to promote educational advancement for the youths
Mr Imafidon thanked the organisers, FEYSOC, and all who contributed to the success of the event.
He said, “I want to use the occasion to appeal to the state government, traditional institutions and well meaning Edo sons and daughters, home and abroad, to support the foundation and help take the youths off the streets.”