The maiden editon of the Coach Aliyu Zubairu U13 Kiddies Tournament came to a thrilling close on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 as Barca Kiddies defeated Dickalo boys FA 2-0 in the final match.
Second half goals from IbrahimAsukuti and Jimoh Fawaz ensured that Barca Kiddies, the team from Eiyenkorin in Asa local government area of Kwara State emerged triumph in the well attended final match.
Dickalo FA were the better side in the first half of the game and the highpoints of their dominance came when they were presented with a spot kick opportunity but Ahmad Kewugbemi failed to convert as his effort hit the base of the upright. They would later went on to hit the wood work twice and still had no goal to show for their effort.
The Dickalo kept on pressing and searching for an opener but the boys from Eiyekorin stood firm as first half ended in stalemate.
In the second half, the stake grew higher and the game began from where it was left off with more grits, passion and energy setting up the stage from both sides.
The pulsating encounter also left fans and spectators on the edge of their seats with incredible soccer artistry.
Dickalo FA further showed more purpose but missed few begging chances coming at them while Barca Kiddies grew into the game and continued to peg back their opponents on several occasions.
Against the run of play, the moment many have been waiting for arrived when Ibrahim Asikuti curled in a ball into the net after dribbling past two defenders to put Barca Kiddies into the lead.
Close to the tail end of the game, Jimoh Fawaz tapped in a rebound from a nice shot earlier saved by the goalkeeper to put a dagger in the heart of Dickalo FA and seal the victory for Barca Kiddies.
A final and more! The event further signified the admiration all and sundry have for Coach Aliyu Zubairu in whose honour the tournament was organised.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding players and officials, cash prizes to the winner and the runners ups, and including commemorative medals for important personalities.
Some of the distinguished personalities who attended the event includes the Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola, Director of Sports in the state and the Administrator of Kwara Football Academy, (KFA) Mallam Ibrahim Bako, Kwara YSFON Chairman,Prince Ademola Kiyesola and Kwara State Football Association Chairman,Mallam Abdullahi Musa Thuraya who was represented by his Secretary, Hashim Agaka.
Others include Chairman of Ilorin West Local Football Council, Alhaji Owolabi Wopa,Chairman of Asa Local Football Council, Alhaji Mujeeb Erubu, Former Technical Director of KFA, Coach Paul Odey, Chief Coach of Kwara United, Coach Ashifat Sulyman and a host of other stakeholders.
All the Eight quarterfinalist teams were also presented their complete set of jerseys courtesy of Coach Aliyu Zubairu who also attended the final and was visibly elated with the display of the football artistry.
Meanwhile, Future Stars FA won the third place final after a 4-3 comeback win over Kingshood FC in an encounter that sets the tone for the historic day.
