Etisalat U-15 School Cup: Enugu, Akwa Ibom qualify for finals

New Layout Secondary School, Enugu and West Itam Secondary School, Akwa Ibom have qualified for the finals of the Etisalat U-15 school Cup which will be held in Lagos later this year.

The Enugu team spanked Holy Ghost Secondary School, Ebonyi 8-0 on Thursday at St Patrick’s College, Emene, Enugu to top its group in the regional play-offs .

West Itam on the other hand topped group A after two wins and one draw to finish with seven points.

The chief coach of New Layout School, Uche Lofty expressed happiness for being able to guide his wards out of their group, adding that they will take key learnings from the play-offs in preparation for the finals in Lagos.

“We will go back and intensify our preparation by concentrating on tactics and pace. We are going to put the team through the principle of football ethics, tactical discipline, team spirit and responsibility,” he said.

The coach of the Akwa Ibom representatives,  Emmanuel Ebong described the tournament as a very good platform for discovering and developing new soccer talents.

“My boys put up a good show and played as a team, they connected seamlessly on the pitch of play, dominating the game with good ball possessions all through the game, so we are happy that we topped our group and are delighted to be going to Lagos for the finals,” he said.

Both coaches lauded Etisalat for the initiative to develop football at the grassroots.

The Enugu and Akwa Ibom teams will vie for the Etisalat U-15 School Cup finals trophy alongside teams that emerge from other zones.