It was a rain of goals and display of natural talent and soccer artistry as Remo Stars FC U-15 side put Abia Warriors FC U-15 to the sword, in Day 3 of the ongoing NPFL Laliga U-15 Premises Youth League.

The Junior Sky Blues raced into an early lead with two quick goals from Arierhi Kparoboa and Adejimi Peter, while entertaining the fans with their individual skills and team cohesion at the same time.

They put the game beyond the reach of the young Warriors with three second half goals from Promise Meliga, Peter Adejimi and Oreoluwa Agbenla.

Remo stars coach, Tiago Conde, while giving his post match reaction said; “The early goals we got in the match actually paved the way for us to do far better in the second half.

“Although after the first two goals, the boys lost focus for a while and then, the second half was far better and they got three goals, but above all, team work, consistency, determination and commitment is key; if we have all these in our team at any point in time during this competition, I am sure we would go far.”

In the second match of the day, goals from Kolawole Olalekan, Mahmud Balogun and Olatunji Yusuf ensure that Gombe United U-15 side fell to the fire power of Kwara United U-15. However, the North Eastern team didn’t go down without a fight, as a consolatory goal from Miko Dalhat saw the scoreline at 3-1 after the final whistle.

In his post match reaction, the coach of Kwara United, Mukaila Ayala maintained that his side has greatly improved compared to how they played in the last edition in Enugu.

“I am happy with the way we played; the team has improved tremendously compared to how we played in the last edition. We created a lot of chances but we couldn’t utilize anyone of them, but this time around, it is a different ball game, as we were able to utilize three of our chances in the first half.”

The final match of the day saw team Rangers Int’l beat Sunshine Stars 2-1, with goals from Salami Taiwo and Sunday Oreoluwa, while Adeyemi Ola got the only goal for the young Gunners of Akure.

Speaking while receiving officials of Nigeria Football Federation / League Management Company, Enugu State Football Association Officials and the Local Organizing Committee members, in his office, Tuesday, Commissioner Manfred Nzekwe, commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for deeming Enugu State capable of hosting such important football tournament.

He assured that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, by accepting to host the tournament, the state government will put everything in place to guarantee the success of the tournament adding that the tournament will be the best organized tournament in Nigeria.

He further assured that every relevant stakeholder will be brought on board to ensure a successful tournament.

In his speech, the leader of the delegation and General Coordinator Youth League, of the Nigeria Football Federation/ League Management Company, Dr. Sunny Obaseki, informed the Commissioner that U-15 La Liga/NPFL tournament will commence from Monday, 12th April, as arrival date, while kick- off will commence on Thursday, 15th April, with the final coming up on May 2, 2021.

He requested for accommodation of visiting teams and vehicles for the visiting Local Organizing Committee members, adding that the team will work in synergy with other stakeholders to ensure the success of the tournament.

In his statement, the Chairman Enugu State Football Association Barrister Tony Ugwu, assured that all the necessary logistics required for the Championship will be provided by the state Football Association and the organizing committee.

The 20 teams participating in the top flight of Nigeria league, NPFL are expected to send their U-15 teams to the mid-season tourney while Katsina United U-15 team is the defending champion of the tournament.