Fortune FA emerged champions of the Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle Under-14 Football League after a dramatic Super 4 finale held at the Nathaniel Idowu Football Pitch in Oregie, Ajegunle .
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This brought the foundation-backed grassroots competition to a thrilling close as
the one-day event delivered a carnival-like atmosphere, featuring two semi-finals, an All-Star exhibition match, a third-place playoff, and a gripping final watched by an energetic crowd in Ajegunle.
The occasion was graced by Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi, National President of the Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club, whose vibrant supporters added colour, music, and energy reminiscent of a national team matchday.
Ogunjimi praised the organisers, the Ajeromi-IfeTheir Sports Council led by McAnthony Anaelechukwu, for their professionalism and dedication to youth development. He also commended Yemi Idowu for sustained investment in grassroots football.
Fortune FA Dominate to Reach Final
Fortune FA secured their place in the final with a commanding 5–2 victory over Pure Talent FA. Adebayo Lateef starred with a first-half hat-trick, while Odeshola Odunayo added two goals to complete a dominant display.
In the second semi-final, Strong Dove FA edged Ajegunle United SC 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Inclusion Highlighted with “Let Her Play Project”
An All-Star match entertained fans between fixtures, while 150 participants in the “Let Her Play Project” were honoured with certificates, food packs, and cash gifts—highlighting the competition’s commitment to gender inclusion.
Ajegunle United Claim Third Place
Ajegunle United SC defeated Pure Talent FA 2–1 in the third-place match, with Solomon James scoring twice in a standout performance.
Final Decided on Penalties
The final between Fortune FA and Strong Dove FA ended 1–1 in regulation time, with goals from Tejumola Boluwatife and Markson Victor. Fortune FA held their nerve in the shootout, winning 3–2, as Odeshola Odunayo converted the decisive penalty to seal the title.
Rewards and Recognition
Fortune FA received ₦500,000, a trophy, and medals, while runners-up Strong Dove FA earned ₦300,000. Ajegunle United SC and Pure Talent FA finished third and fourth respectively, with all teams receiving financial rewards and support packages.
Medals were provided by Sabur Akanbi Oluwa, representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency II.
Awards Ceremony Next Month
Organisers confirmed that an awards ceremony will be held at the New Maracana Sports Complex next month, where the Best 11, MVP, top scorer, and other individual honours will be unveiled.
The Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle U-14 League, powered by the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, once again demonstrated its growing importance as a platform for nurturing young talent and fostering community pride through football.
