Afiz Umar Ibrahim and Yahya Olayemi Subair both scored for Ojodu City FC to hand them a 2-0 victory against Empoli U18s at the Empoli Training Centre on Saturday.
The win propelled Ojodu City to the top of their group and sent them into the Round of 16 of the 2024 Viareggio Cup World Football Tournament.
The sun was shining, the winter chill had retreated, this Saturday, as the Nigerian boys took on the home side in the Tuscan town of Empoli. They were not intimidated by the home crowd that gathered to cheer on their team.
In its 74th year, the Viareggio Cup is one of the pre-eminent tournaments for young players. It is an opportunity for scouts from leading football clubs to spot them. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro was spotted by Inter Milan when he played for Beyond Limits.
Already, high performing players of Ojodu City are being tipped for trial opportunities following their impressive showing thus far. The club won two and lost one in their three group matches.
They defeated Italian club Imolese Calcio 2-1 in their opening game before losing 3-2 late on against Australian side Melbourne City FC.
They needed a win against Empoli to secure their passage into the knockout rounds. They did just that as they produced a fantastic performance against the Italian club side who played in front of their home fans.
Elation and celebration
There was jubilation in the camp of the Tigers after the game and Sporting Director Paul Ogunlaja was unable to hide his excitement.
“As the sporting director of Ojodu FC, it gives me great joy and unimaginable satisfaction for the qualification of the team,” Ogunlaja told Soccernet.ng.
“Bringing these young lads who have become my family to this tournament is a whole lot for I and my partner Mr. Adeoye Adepeju (chairman) who has been of tremendous help in making sure the dream of these young lads come true.
“You could hear a pin drop before the kick off as all the teams were at deadlock at three points apiece. Going away to Empoli stadium was a go hard or go home situation but the Tigers had their claws out today and finished the group stage on a high note by being the top in the log.
“I can only say thank you to God for all his good deeds, being with us in good health, grace and success all the way.
“All for one and one for all is what we tend to portray at Ojodu City and I hope we take the trophy home and make our country proud. A big shout out to my coach Rasak Olawale Ogunbanjo for a job well done so far and to the team at home, thank you for all the support you have for us here,” he concluded.
Nigerian Representatives Do Well
Ojodu City’s qualification to the knock rounds made it a perfect first round for all the four Nigerian club sides participating in the competition.
Beyond Limits FC, Alex Transfiguration and Mavlon FC are the other Nigerian clubs that qualified from the group stage.
No Nigerian team has won the Viareggio Cup since inception. Alex Transfiguration reached the final in 2022 but lost.
Teams from Brazil, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, Congo Brazzaville, the United States, Hungary and Serbia participated in the tournament.
The Round of 16 matches will take place on Tuesday.
Below are the fixtures of the Nigerian teams:
Ojodu City FC vs Westchester United (USA)
Fiorentina (Italy) vs Mavlon
Beyond Limits vs Avellino (Italy)
Rukh (Ukraine) vs Alex Transfiguration
