The match which took place inside the main bowl of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu gave both sides a glimpse of how to prepare for their upcoming games in their various leagues.

Ever reliable attacking sensation, Kelvin Itoya who came on as a substitute took only a minute of stepping onto the pitch to break the resistance of the coach Nduka Ugbade tutored side on 38 minutes as he connected well with the head, a Tope Olusesi’ inch perfect cross.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Israel Abia increased the tally as he beat his marker to slot home an inviting cross from Osas Okoro while Ifeanyi Okoro reacted well on the stroke of full time to blast past the opponent’ goalkeeper an inviting cross from former Super Eagles attacking midfielder, Onyedika Ogbuke.

New attacking sensation, Elijah Ani, Kenechukwu Agu, Daniel Vandaga, Ugwuoke Ugochukwu and Israel Abia all came close to having their names on the score sheet but superlative goalkeeping from the NNL side’ shot stopper ensured only three goals was recorded in the match.

Captain of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Tope Olusesi said after the friendly encounter, “It was a good game against a great side that proved difficult to break down but thankfully, we stuck to our game plan and got the result we desired. We hope to continue our preparations for the second round and believe we shall achieve our set target at the end of the season.”

Recall that Rangers is expected to trade tackles with eastern neighbors, Enyimba International F.C in a match day 20 fixture in Aba as the season is expected to resume this weekend while the date for the match day 19 fixture is yet to be fixed by organizers of the league, L.M.C

The 2021 NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises final takes place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday with Katsina United facing Warri Wolves.

Defending champions Katsina United are bidding for their third crown, whereas Wolves are gracing the biggest stage of U15 football in Nigeria for the first time and would be one of the most surprising winners in the competition’s history.

The current crop of players discovered in Enugu have the ability to ensure that the next decade or so is fine for Nigeria, with some of the best young players and quality in every area of the pitch.

Katsina United

The omens are there for Katsina United, then, but it has not all been plain sailing up to this stage; they were lackluster in the semi-final against MFM FC but pulled through 4-2 on penalties.

With the exception of the MFM FC match, Kastina United have relied on defensive solidity more than attacking flair, but with Nafiu Dahiru and the likes of Yakubu Sadiq, Umar Bala and Umar Abubakar in their ranks they are certainly capable of turning on the style in the final third should the need arise.

The talent at the team’s disposal meant that his side were always among the favourites to lift the trophy in Enugu.

Warri Wolves

Wolves’ journey to the final has been described as remarkable, and with the talent they have in their team it is easy to overlook just how big an achievement it is.

There is no getting away from the fact that Wolves have had a tough route all the way to the final, with most of the pre-tournament favourites devoured by the Seasiders.

They pipped Akwa United 1-0 in the semi-final with Okiki Oghenevwegba on song at the Cathedral.

There is no doubting their heart, then, and they have the smatterings of a promising talent to go with it – from Okiki, who is a top candidate for best player of the tournament, and Uwakwe Samson to Angayama Jeffery and Mamah Stephen.

Whether that quartet can have as much of an impact against Katsina United remains to be seen – it certainly appears to be the best midfield and defence they have come up against so far – but they have made it this far on merit and should they pick up one more victory then it will be a remarkable feat.

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All eyes will be on Umar Abubakar on Sunday as the youngster plays like Rashidi Yekini.

Doing so would be a fitting finale to a stunning tournament from the attacker, and while it is far too soon to suggest that he may go on to enjoy a career like Yekini, rarely does such a prodigious talent emerge and then perform on the biggest stage.

Such has been Umar’s impact that others have had to play the supporting act, including Khalifa Aminu.

Muhammed Sani is expected to keep his place in the side.

Momentum seemed to give the Katsina United players an extra boost. So, the technical crew are unlikely to make any changes if they can avoid it.

There are no injury concerns, and Okiki Oghenevwegba’s performance in the semi-final is expected to have earned him another starting spot for the final.

Angayama Jeffery was Wolves’ main dangerman against Akwa United and he should be crucial again today.

Katsina United possible starting lineup: Abubakar Anas, Aminu Sani, Kasimu Abdullahi, Yakubu Sadiq, Umar Bala, Muhammed Sani, Nafiu Dahiru, Khalifa Aminu, Abubakar Yasir, Ummaru Sule, Umar Abubakar

Warri Wolves possible starting lineup: Onakpoya Marho, Richard Eriga, Usen Emmanuel, Isaac John, Alatan Azuka, Believe Nse, Uwakwe Samson, Asomusho Kelly, Mamah Stephen, Angayama Jeffery, Okiki Oghenevwegba

This is contained in a congratulory message sent to the young Seasiders after they beat Akwa United by a lone goal in the semi-finals on Friday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Etu said the Warri Wolves U-15 team came into the tournament as unsung heroes, thanking the Delta State Government through the Delta State Sports Commission, DSSC, led by Tonobok Okowa for supporting the team morally, financially, and otherwise.

He stated emphatically that the allowances and bonuses of the Junior Wolves have taken care of accordingly.

“They should go for the trophy on Sunday against Katsina United,” Etu said in the club congratulory statement issued by him on behalf of the Seasiders.

“Nothing short of the cup. We should go out for the cup now.”

“They came to the tournament as unsung heroes. But with the support of the executive chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa, who approved their budget, their allowances and bonuses have been regularly paid.”

“When I say regularly, I mean regularly. They’ve justify the confidence and investment in them.”

“They should not allowed anything distract them now. They should be at their best again against Katsina United and bring back the trophy.”

“The executive chairman of the state sports commission will lead the state delegation to Enugu on Sunday.”

In their first Pool B game of the league, the Junior Wolves had beaten Katsina United 4 – 1.

On Sunday, the young Seasiders will their rivalry with the young Changi Boys from Katsina in the final game.

Kickoff time is 4pm.

Warri Wolves Media

The encounter had ended 0-0 at regulation time, as Katsina United got to the finals.

MFM FC striker Lucky Akinleminu was wasteful in front goal as he missed six chances. But credits should go to goalkeeper Abubakar Anas who was brilliant behind the sticks.

In the shootout, the team from Lagos rued their afternoon after two of their players missed from the penalty spot.

In the other semi final between Warri Wolves and Akwa United, the Seasiders won 1-0.

A 20th minute solo effort from Okiki Oghenewvegba was enough to set the high flying Junior Wolves against Katsina United in the final.

Okiki picked up the ball from the edge of the arc and skipped past four Akwa United players before finding the back of the net to deliver a golden moment for the young Seasiders’ team, who have been one of the best sides in the competition.

Wolves will face Katsina United in the final on Sunday.

This tournament which promises to be the biggest preseason tournament this season will feature eight NPFL clubs and should be a fitting cutting drawer to clubs’ preseason activities before the 2020/21 NPFL season kicks off.

Thirteen teams are slated to feature in this edition. They are defending champions, Lobi Stars, Enyimba, Rivers United, Rangers, Heartland, FC IfeanyiUbah, Warri Wolves, Abia Warriors, Apex Krane, Ingass FC, J. Atete, Ifeanyi Ekwueme Football Academy and PXEL Football Academy.

Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, December 11 for the draws billed for Aaron Suites, Independence Layout, Enugu. The matches commence on Saturday morning.

The tournament is primarily for clubs using the Tico/Select brand of kits but other clubs are also accommodated.

Lobi Stars defeated Ingass FC in the final of the maiden edition held in Enugu last year.