It was all to play for in the final game of the 2024 NPFL Youth League between Rivers United and Katsina United, in Edo, Benin City as the two U-17 sides locked horns for the crown of the best Youth team in Nigeria.
The Rivers United boys came into the game on the front foot and looked to apply pressure quickly, but the boys from Katsina were stable defensively.
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The deadlock was however broken in the 29th minute as Seiyefa Jackson gave Rivers United the lead.
The floodgates of goals were however opened as Katsina United U-17 struck back just seven minutes later through Aliyu Abass.
It thus ended one-all at the break.
Play soon resumed In the second half and Rivers United started where they left it, with David Benjamin restoring the lead to them.
Their lead was soon increased to a two-goal advantage when Agha George struck home to make it 3-1.
Katsina United also showed their worth, striking once more through Usman Abdullahi to halve the deficit.
The Rivers United boys did not rest on their oars, but instead restored their two-goal cushion, through David Benjamin for his brace, in the 85th minute.
It was a full-time scene and joy for all the Rivers United supporters, from Port Harcourt, far and near, as their boys did them proud and held on for the precious win which ensured that Rivers United U-17 were crowned Champions.
On the road to the final, the Rivers United contingents grabbed 10 points, with victories against Remo StarsU-17, Katsina United, and Rangers International, also playing a stalemate against Plateau United.
The highest goal scorer at the tournament was Seiyefa Jackson who netted four times, with Oscar Ozornwafor emerging as the most valuable player of the tournament.
The NPFL Youth League is however a platform for the upbringing and discovery of new talents in football, in a bid to catch them young and help to develop the game in the country.
