By NELSON DAFE

A young Namo Sports academy football team braved all the odds to deliver a stunning title triumph at the just concluded Kindness Memorial Cup competition in Benin City.

The competition, which is played in honour of late Edo state FA vice chairman, Mr Kindness Ohiowele, saw the youngest side in the competition put up a string of top class performances to shock the competing field made up of top class football clubs in Benin and deliver a statement win in the final against Konstance Dike FC in the final played on Friday, February 27 at Arinze primary school in Benin city.

The final match was largely a ding-dong affair as both sides showed flashes of individual brilliance and some interesting combination play. However, despite several beautiful attacking moves, neither side was able to find the net and had to settle for nerve-racking penalty shootouts.

Namo emerged victorious 4-3 in the shootout to send players and supporters of the team into wild jubilation.

The club smiled home with a handsome prize of 500,000 naira as winners, while gifted defensive midfielder, Pleasure Akpobomen was named the Most Valuable Player of the competition.

Akpobomen proved to be a real revelation and pleasure to watch, as his game reading quality, passing, and energy levels captivated the fans at Arinze. To say a new star has been discovered could well be an understatement.

The vice chairman of the Edo FA presented a cash prize of 20,000 naira to Akpobomen as his reward being named the tournament’s best player.

The story of Namo Sports as a top talent factory continues to be told with this latest triumph. The club is coached by one of Edo state’s most respected football figures, Mr Austin Ogieriakhi, who is well known for instilling discipline in young football kids and nurturing them to become stars.

Some of his products are currently shining overseas and in Nigeria, and these include technically gifted petite midfielder Rivio of Rivers United, Osakpolor Iyore (3rd Liga, Germany), young speedster, Emmanuel Obasohan (national U-15), Junior Aimufua (Kwara United), and Ogochukwu Onye (J3, Japan).

Namo Sports are now focused on the upcoming Benin City Youth League, which is one of the most competitive youth league competitions in Nigeria, which begins March 11.

On the strength of this latest triumph, their rich history of winning things in the past and their rich talent pool at present, many are looking forward to watching Ogierakhi’s Namo play and continue to make exploits.

•PHOTO: Coach Austin Ogieriakhi standing proudly with his protégé and MVP, Pleasure Akpobomen after the medal presentations at the Kindness Memorial Cup in Benin City.

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