The Elerin of Erin Ile, Oba Abdul Ganiyu Ibrahim Ajibola, Olosookun II (MFR), has congratulated Kwara and Oyo teams for qualifying for the national finals of the Airtel Rising Stars U-17 Championships from the Ibadan zone.

He described the ARS tourney as a veritable platform for the discovery of fresh football talents for Nigeria. Moje Queens of Kwara State defeated their counterparts from Oyo State 6-5 via penalties in the girls' final of ARS at the main bowl of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan on Friday.

"I am happy that Moje Queens emerged champions of the Airtel competition and I want to commend Airtel for providing our teenagers this great opportunity to exhibit their skills.

"This kind of developmental programme would help the country to get formidable national teams in the future right from the age-group level," Oba Ajibola, who is the life patron of Moje Queens said. However, the Oyo State team was victorious in the boys' category as they defeated their counterparts from Ekiti State 1-0, thanks to Ajuwon Ibrahim's well converted spot-kick in the second half.

Ajuwon emerged the highest goal scorer of the competition with three goals, while Alimi Sunday of Ekiti went home with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.