By Obafemi Naseer
The Ondo State Under-15 soccer team has exited the YSFON National Under-15 Soccer Competition following a narrow 4-3 loss to Kaduna State in the quarterfinals. The thrilling match, held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi on Thursday, showcased the incredible talent and fighting spirit of the Ondo boys, who won the admiration of spectators despite their defeat.
Both teams displayed exceptional skills, with the Ondo boys delivering a tactical and highly technical performance. However, poor officiating and a hostile crowd reportedly played a significant role in tilting the game against the Sunshine State lads. According to one of Ondo’s coaches, who understands Hausa, the officiating crew appeared biased, with allegations that Kaduna officials were determined to prevent the trophy from heading to the Southwest.
Despite the challenges, the Ondo team showed remarkable resilience. Their commitment and sportsmanship were evident as they supported one another, even consoling distraught teammates after the match. A spectator remarked, “The Ondo boys played a classical game, and their tactical display was second to none. They were simply gallant in defeat. With proper support and preparation, they will certainly dominate future tournaments.”
Football enthusiasts and analysts have called for more support for grassroots sports initiatives like the ones that nurtured the Ondo players. One notable example is the Methodist High School, Owo (MHSO), whose Sports Committee played a vital role in discovering and nurturing talents that contributed to the state’s Under-15 soccer team.
In a significant development, the YSFON Local Government Chapter has now been established and domiciled at Methodist High School, Owo. This milestone offers a platform for sustained grassroots football development in the area. Officials of YSFON commended the school’s commitment to sports and urged both private and public stakeholders to emulate such initiatives.
A football enthusiast, Umar Maikasuwa, stressed the importance of individual, corporate, and NGO support for grassroots sports. “The efforts of the MHSO Sports Committee in developing football talents are commendable. Imagine what the boys could achieve with more support in an atmosphere devoid of self-serving leadership,” he noted.
Although the loss to Kaduna is disappointing, the Ondo team’s performance was a testament to their potential. With the right backing and an improved playing environment, the team is poised to rise stronger in future competitions. As the boys return to the drawing board, there is hope that their gallant efforts will inspire greater investments in grassroots sports across the state and beyond.
