FOSLA Academy emerge winners of National Principals’ Cup
Karshi-Abuja based FOSLA Academy yesterday emerged winners of the football event of the revived National Principals’ football tournament for secondary schools in Nigeria.
A football cum educational institution, FOSLA Academy defeated Christ Comprehensive School Kaduna 2-0 in the finals decided at the practice pitch of the MKO Abiola National stadium Abuja.
While FOSLA represented North-Central, their opponents from Kakuri in Kaduna State represented the North-West region.
The first goal of the match was scored in the 23rd minute by Tukura Joel when he beat the offside trap set by Christ Comprehensive School to break the deadlock.
Things turned from bad to worse for the losers as before they could recover from the shock of the opening goal, Joel again scored the second with a sublime finish outside the 18 yard box in the 24th minute.
The goals which came in quick succession weakened the fighting spirit of the Kaduna boys who did everything possible in the second half but were unable to stop the high riding FOSLA boys from making history.
In his post-match interview, the victorious coach, Gilbert Igwe said “We set out from day one to win the competition and I am glad that the players did not lose focus. I am grateful to God for his grace and also thankful to the management of FOSLA for their support.
“We played nine matches to win the cup without losing any. So the players were spoton and the coaching crew did their best too," he said.
A Director in the school, Mr. Patrick Ngwaogu said “Champions are not built overnight. Champions are built with patience, perseverance and hard work. You waited enough and today is the day to receive the crown. You are worthy champions.”
The proprietor of FOSLA Academy and former NFF president, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi was among those who witnessed the historic moment.
Flying Eagles highly promising youngster, Emeka Chinonso has said he is focusing on making his first transfer to Europe a fruitful one whenever he gets his opportunity in the first team of his new club Gent.
The 19-year-old gangling striker completed his move to the Belgian top side having shone in the colours of his former team, Water FC of Abuja where he scored 42 goals in 32 matches.
The player scored in his first game for Gent when he grabbed the equalizing goal for the Under 21 side in a one-all draw but says his eyes are focused on scoring his competitive goal for the first team.
He said: “It is a dream come true to finally come to play in Europe and I must say that I am definitely looking forward to giving my all to impress the coach and the fans of this great club.
“I know the club brought me to score goals and for me, scoring goals is the only thing I train every day to do and I want to do that on a regular basis here at Gent.”
The acquisition of Chinonso and Oladoye Olawale from Nigeria has increased the number of African players at the club to seven.