Oyo State wins 2016 Copa Coca-Cola U-15 tournament

Oyo state’s Asegun Comprehensive High School boys have won the 2016 edition of Copa Coca-Cola U-15 tournament and smiled home after weeks of hard won and tension-filled matches, with a cash prize of N1 million Naira.

The victory came after the Asegun defeated National Grammar School, Nike, Enugu, at the National Final match played at the Onikan stadium, Lagos Island over the weekend.

Oyo State’s emergence as winners of the tournament ended weeks of football matches that started with over 3000 schools and 60,000 platers from across 32 states of the federation.

Determined and focused all through the 60 minutes of play that ended in a goal less draw, both teams put up a strong spirited fight for the trophy and the prize money of a million naira. In the end however, the Asegun boys pulled an ace from their hat with a 5-3 score during the penalty shootout.

Presenting the medals and trophies to the Asegun boys, the Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Adeola Adetunji congratulated them for their outstanding performances in the tournament, stating that their hard work and team spirit earned them the victory. “We are forever committed to unlocking the potentials of exceptionally talented teenagers because we believe in their passion.”

Captain of the winning team, Olanrewaju Fadipe, who was unable to control his happiness, shed tears of joy and declared that he was overwhelmed and grateful to Coca-Cola for the chance to participate in the tournament.

The second place winners, National Grammar School, Nike, Enugu state, received a cash prize of N500, 000. Others winners celebrated at the grand finale was the best goalkeeper throughout the tournament, James Ogenetega of Rockford Secondary School, Ikorodu Lagos; Most Valuable Player of the tournament, Million Koma of National Grammar School, Nike, Enugu; and Highest Goal Scorer of the tournament, Prosper Chidera Ojukwu of FOSLA Academy, Abuja.

The match event was graced by top officials from the Lagos state government, the National School Sports Federation (NSSF), Senior Staff of Coca-Cola, 2016 BET Best New International Act Award winner, ‘Falz the bad guy’, as well as ex-internationals Tajudeen Disu and Nigeria’s Football legend, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha.

More photos below...

Falz Performing at COPA Grand Finale

The final Match

Asegun Boys during the penalties

Asegun U-15 Player ready to take a shot during the penalties

Asegun U-15 Player taking a shot during the penalties

Asegun Keeper blocks a goal from the Enugu boys during penalties

Enugu player moves in to take a penalty shot

Asegun U-15 Player takes a shot during the penalties

Asegun Boys during the penalties

Asegun Boys score the winning goal during the penalties

Asegun boys celebrate their win!

Enugu boys shed tears at their loss

Managing Director, Coca-Cola Limited, Adeola Adetunji; Best Goal-keeper, James Ogene Tega; and President, Nigerian School Sports Federation, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammad.

Asegun Boys celebrate their win!

Dr. Ademola Are, Director, Grassroots, Youth and Sports, representing the Minister for Sports; Adeola Adetunji, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria; and Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Vice-President 1, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF); presenting the 2016 Copa Coca-Cola U-15 winners, Asegun Comprehensive High School, Oyo State presented with a cheque of One Million Naira.

Olabisi Joseph, Nigerian School Sports Federation, National Secretary; Dr. Ademola Are, Director, Grassroots, Youth and Sports, representing the Minister for Sports; Adeola Adetunji, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria; and Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Vice-President 1, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF); presenting the 2016 Copa Coca-Cola U-15 winners, Asegun Comprehensive High School, Oyo State presented with a cheque of One Million Naira.