Edo Dynamo Emerges Victorious In The Highly Competitive Bright Osayi-Samuel Under-13 Tournament.

Football stakeholders in Nigeria, including former international players, have praised Bright Osayi-Samuel, a Super Eagles star, for offering a platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and win prize money in the game. The stakeholders gathered at the Crescent Sports Centre in Irirhi, Benin, Edo State, on Thursday to witness the final match of the first-ever Bright Osayi-Samuel U-13 Football Tournament.

The tournament featured youth teams from all zones of Edo State, with Edo Dynamo FC emerging victorious with a 1-0 win over Rising Stars of Auchi. The only goal of the final was scored by Wisdom Eguamwense of Edo Dynamo FC, securing both the trophy and a cash prize of N1 million. Eguamwense was also awarded the top scorer of the tournament, having scored six goals overall.

Prior to the final, Rockers FC defeated Ugbowo Bombers 3-0 in the match for the bronze medal. The tournament, sponsored by Fenerbahce and Super Eagles star Bright Osayi Samuel, who hails from Edo State, provided an exciting platform for young footballers to shine.

In addition to the matches, a novelty game between the Edo State Sports Writers and the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Edo Chapter, took place on the final day, with the coaches winning 1-0 under the leadership of Felix Evhodi.

The closing ceremony saw the Super Eagles star’s father, Mr. Nelson Osayi, and his elder brother, Osaro, presenting the awards. Edo Dynamo Sports FC received a giant trophy and N1 million cash prize for their victory, while Rising Stars secured N750,000 for finishing as the runners-up. Rockers FC claimed the third position and earned N500,000, and fourth-placed Ugbowo Bombers received N2500,000 as compensation.

Individual awards were also presented, with Destiny Enomena of Rockers FC named the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. Savour Martins of Edo Young Stars Academy was awarded as the Best Defender, while Efe Omotobo of Spunky Blazers FC was recognized as the Youngest Player. Austin Ogieriakhi of Edo Dynamo Sports won the Coach of the tournament award, and Blessed Ohiaeri, also from Edo Dynamo Sports, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

The participating teams were not only rewarded with prizes, but they also received school bags and books to encourage their educational development.

Expressing his gratitude, Bright Osayi-Samuel’s father, Nelson Osayi, commended the Edo State Football Association and all the teams for the success of the event. He promised that the next edition would be even bigger, stating that the event proved that Nigerian youth can excel when provided with the right environment and opportunities.

Over 40 grassroots teams from the three senatorial districts of Edo State participated in the tournament, which lasted for one month. Dignitaries present at the event included Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, Chairman of the Edo FA, former internationals Peter Neketien and Austin Popo, as well as Dr. Aghedo Moses, the immediate past Edo FA chairman, among others.