For former African Coach of the year, Kadiri Ikhana (MON) says Ogun State abounds with highly talented young footballers after watching a friendly match between youth teams in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The ex-Eyinmba manager said he was happy to see young footballers displaying their skills adding that he was lucky to have watched them live.
He said, “I’m happy to see young talented footballers exhibiting their skills,I’m lucky to have watched the match, I have no cause to regret my coming here, I can see that we have talented players in Abeokuta and Ogun State”
Ikhana expressed this after watching the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria’s (YSFON) U-16 team played against Egba City FC in a friendly match at the Training Pitch of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
The Ogun YSFON team beat their opponent 2-0, courtesy of a brace from Abass Obasa in the second half.
Ikhana, while addressing the players reminds them that they are representing the whole Ogun State, and their respective families.
He said with commitment and discipline coupled with better motivation, he believes the team will do better than what they did at the last edition of the Ramat Cup in Kano
The Chief technical Adviser of the team, Coach Henry Oviawe reinstated his claims that his wards are ready to take on any team.
“I can’t say what I don’t mean, I know the caliber of players we have at our disposal, so I stand by my word that can stand any opposition, anytime, any day.”
Oviawe continues, “We are waiting for the Lagos YSFON team ,we beat them not quite long, so we know they’ll be looking for a revenge, but we will be ready to match them strength for strength.
On how his team were able to withstand the more matured Egba City team, Oviawe explained that the technical crew made the players believe in themselves, that “playing football is not by stature or physique, it is from the brain”
The Vice Chairman of Ogun State YSFON who is also the Proprietor of Allen-Taylor football Academy, Honourable Olufemi Wilfred Allen Taylor, assured the team of their unalloyed support.
He said, “Ogun YSFON executive ably led by the Chairman, Alhaji Waheed Lawal has been tasked to give their utmost commitment and to cue solidly behind the team in their quest for success”
Ramat Cup is an Annual youth football competition organized in memory of the late Head of State,General Muritala Ramat Muhammed, holds in Kano.