Star Bombers win Comrade Fresh Open Soccer Championship
By Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Kaduna.
Star Bombers FC have emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh Open Soccer Championship, which ended at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna at the weekend.
They beat hard fighting rivals Portsmouth Academy, Kaduna by spot kicks 4-1, after both teams played a barren draw at the end of regulation time.
For their efforts, they went home with a giant trophy and a cash prize of N50, 000. Runners-up also received a trophy and N30, 000.
Earlier, the third place match was won by Stallion FC, who beat their opponents 5-4, also via spot kicks after a goalless draw at the end of regular playing time.
As part of the events of the closing ceremonies, seven stakeholders who the organizers described as people who have contributed to the development of soccer in Nigeria were presented with awards.
They are; former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, NFF executive members, Hon. Suleiman Kwande, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, Alhaji Inuwa Sheriff Rabiu, and Comrade Yusuf Ahmed Fresh.
Also presented with awards were the chairman, League Management Committee (LMC), Alhaji Shehu Dikko who is also the second Vice President NFF and the Chairman of the Nationwide League 1 Board, Alhaji Kawu Ahmed Muazu.
In an interview with newsmen after receiving the award, Comrade Fresh praised the Mai Samari Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) for organizing a successful championship.
“They have done very well. The first day they contacted me I didn’t take them serious but I am impressed with the organisation and the quality of play witnessed,” he said.
He said he was humbled when an association from a geo-political zone different from his, singled him out for such honour, even naming a competition after him.
“I am not even from this zone, I am from the North-Central but they chose me. This will only spur me on to doing more for the development of soccer, knowing that people are keenly watching,” he added.
