Date: 2023-06-12

It’s all glitz and glamour on Saturday as football lovers and supporters trooped out en masse to grace the final of Never stop dreaming football tournament organised by Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi.

Nothing short of beautiful display of soccer artistry with pomp and pageantry also defining the well-attended grand final of the 26-teams featured tourney.

The finalists, International FC and Awoniyi’s Unicorns FA took the battle to each other after the blast of the whistle and were ultimately separated by spot kicks after playing 1-1 in regulation time.

International FC later won the contest 5-3 on penalties all to the excitement of the supporters who thronged out to support the team at the Sheikh Abdulquadri College, Ilorin.

However, it was a mixed reaction for Awoniyi who while giving his remark went emotional and broke down in a tearful joy.

“Thank you everyone. I am lost for words. I just want to appreciate everyone for your support,” an elated Awoniyi who had all his family members present at the event said.

In his own remarks, the Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commission, Bola Magaji commended Awoniyi for the initiative, which he said, has brought joy to many.

He urged all footballers not to stop dreaming for greatness in their pursuit for a successful career, adding that the Nottingham forest Striker is now an inspiration to many young Nigerians.

While giant trophies were presented to the winners and first runners-up, individual awards like the most valuable player, highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper award were also dolled out to outstanding participants.

The winners of the tournament were presented with a cheque of N1 million while the second placed team got N700,000.

Other Distinguished personalities who graced the event includes the Chairman of Kwara State football Association, Mallam Idris Musa; ABS Ilorin FC Director of Football, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka; Eintracht Braunschweig of Germany striker, Anthony Ujah and top European football agent, Maximilian Brommer.