Bodija FC defeat Chukwudi FC, take home Emeka Anyaoku Inter-State U-16 Soccer Cup
By Uzor Odigbo
The weekend showcased remarkable grassroots football as Bodija Football Club of Oyo State narrowly defeated Chukwudi FC from Abia State 3-2 in the inter-state football finals in Lagos.
The weeklong soccer tournament, supported by former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Chief Emeka Anyaoku, featured a total of 16 teams representing various states of the Federation.
Four teams made it to the final rounds, with Rivers Bombers FC from Rivers State and Bello Sanusi FC from Bornu State competing in the third-place match.
Bodija FC took the initiative with a different brand of football, putting the boys from the East under intense pressure which earned the Oyo State team 3 unanswered goals in the first half thrilling soccer encounter
Dignitaries present at the Union Bank sports playground in Surulere, Lagos, where the match was held, were on the edge of their seats as the tide turned in favour of Chukwudi FC, who scored two quick goals, displaying superior teamwork and goalkeeping, a stark contrast to their first-half performance.
Indeed, it was a game of two halves. Following the centre referee’s final whistle, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the sponsor and cup donor, commended the players, coaches and organisers for their outstanding performance.
Cash prices were distributed. The winning team Bodija FC carted away N1.5m and trophy, Runner up received N1.2m, while third place team went home with N750.000
