Worshippers FC emerged the champions of the 6th edition of the Stephen Keshi U-17 Football Tournament after defeating Dynamos Football Academy 4-2 in a tense penalty shootout on Sunday, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The tournament, organized to honour the legacy of Nigerian football legend, late Stephen Keshi, climaxed after a 70-minute final match, which began with a ceremonial kickoff by AP Efe Amenze, Director of Sports Development and Operations.
The winning team, Worshippers FC, were awarded ₦500,000, along with gold medals and a trophy. Dynamos FC were awarded ₦200,000 with a trophy and silver medals for finishing second,
while Flight FC was awarded ₦100,000 with medals as the third placed team.
Head coach Osaron Joseph of Worshippers FC expressed his gratitude, saying, “I didn’t expect to be in the finals today. I appreciate all the organizers and fans, and we give thanks to God for this victory.”
Architect Aro Osayimwen, a close associate and former architect for Stephen Keshi, who served as the match commentator for the final match, emotionally reflected on some of Keshi’s accomplishments, describing him as a football icon who left a lasting legacy.
“Stephen Keshi was a man of the people. He won the Nations Cup as a player and coach, took Togo and Nigeria to the World Cup, and planned to build a hospital for free treatments,” Osayimwen said.
The tournament which has become a talent hub for young players, faced challenges, including doubts about participants’ ages.
Peter Nieketien, Vice President of the tournament, assured the public that thorough screening processes were conducted.
“If players over the age limit are included, it will affect their future opportunities,” he emphasised.
International scout Navjot Singh Brar, attending for the first time, commended the tournament as a platform for showcasing young talent.
“We’ve been watching players with great potential, and I will discuss with the chairman about opportunities for some of the boys this summer,” Brar said.
Despite the success on the field, organizers expressed frustration over a lack of institutional support. The tournament’s president lamented over the absence of key government and sports officials, saying, “For six editions, we’ve had no institutional backing. This is Stephen Keshi we’re talking about, yet the government seems uninterested.”
Kelvin Nkenikwe, Chairman 6th edition of the Stephen Keshi U-17 Tournament, Organizing Committee, thanked Edo State Government, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium management, and the Edo State Football Association Chairman, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse for their supports, but also highlighted the absence of significant institutional involvement.
“This program has been running for five days, and it’s commendable so far. But everything has been individual contributions. We’ve written to NFF and sought state government backing, but the response has been disappointing,” Nkenikwe said.
Nkenikwe noted that previous editions in Delta State were funded by the Delta State Governor, while Edo State offered only limited support in recent years.
“It’s the passion and love for what Keshi gave back to this country that keeps us going. None of his teammates have come out to support this,” he added.
The Stephen Keshi U-17 Tournament has produced players now competing in major leagues, and organizers remain hopeful for better support in future editions.
Dynamos’ head coach, Austin, praised the initiative, calling it “one of the best in Nigeria.”
As the tournament continues to honour Keshi’s legacy, the need for greater investment and recognition remains a pressing issue.
