By Nelson Dafe on November 30, 2021

What was a modest idea, born out of the desire to see youth football players more engaged in competitive football battles, has crystalised into being one of the most entertaining grassroots football competitions in Nigeria.

On Thursday, December 2, 2021, the first edition of the Benin City Youth League, featuring 12 of the best grassroots clubs in Benin City will come to an end, with tasty fixtures (at the S&T barracks pitch in western Benin city) to bring a glorious close to the season. The league is a brainchild of the Association of Benin Youth Club Owners.

The main match of the day will see already crowned champions Rolly take on BJ Foundation, a team that hounded them for much of the season. Rolly however held firm to their top spot after beating free-flowing Dynamo FC in their penultimate match and will now be given a guard of honour by BJ Foundation.

Both sides are known as very physically gifted teams with exciting youngsters in their ranks and, with prestige always at stake, are expected to go for each other jugular on Thursday afternoon.

The top eight sides will receive customised sets of jerseys from sponsors of the league, which include ex-Super Eagles star Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Imperial Bizzo, a designer outfit.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the league (Douglas Idahosa) as well as the Secretary Jen Ugbodagha have been praised for their hard work in making the league a success.

“Mr Idahosa and Mr Ugbodagha have done a good job in managing the league. It takes a lot to handle the various aspects of a seriously contested youth league, from getting and ensuring quality officiating to managing the complex matter of fixtures as well as the crucial issue of sourcing for sponsors for the league. These guys have done it successfully, and managed well the few hitches that there were in the league. They deserve praise,” one club coach noted.

Nelson Dafe, President of Benin Warriors FC (one of the clubs that took part in the league), described Mr Idahosa as a “pillar of football in Edo State” for his role in grooming star players from the grassroots and now ensuring there is a fertile ground for true competitions to hold, helping all participating clubs to get better.

“They, Mr Idahosa and Ugbodagha, have a solid organisational spirit and, though there were some challenges here and there as one will expect from a new high quality competition, they have held firm to see to the success of the league,” Dafe said.

Already, one of the aims of the Benin City Youth League, which is to serve as an avenue for players to express themselves and play their way into professional club sides is being achieved. A number of players who have impressed in the youth league are currently on the cusp of signing for Nigeria professional league clubs, including the likes of Bendel Insurance and Kogi United. Ken Ugbodagha promises an even better Benin City Youth League next year.

“We are working round the clock to get more sponsors for the league. So far, we are in talks with some big name individuals and companies and the signs are very good.”

Chairman Idahosa has also sent a message of thanks to all clubs, as well as sponsors and followers of the Benin City youth league 2021 season.

“Without these people, grassroots football success will not be possible. I promise that we all will continue to enjoy the Benin City Youth League which has come to stay,” Idahosa affirmed.

•PHOTO: Benin City Youth League champions Rolly FC

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 30, 2021

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