The stage is set for the final of Season Seven of the Channels National Kids Cup, with Research Model Primary School from Kaduna State, ready to battle Enyeanugie Primary School from Edo State at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Children’s day, May 27.
In the semi-final on Tuesday, after playing a 1-1 draw in their game against Christ the King Primary School, Akwa Ibom, the team from Kaduna overcame in the tough challenge by 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out.
David Onoja scored the opener for Research Model after slotting a roving ball into an open net. Moments later, Christ the King came all looking for the equalizer.
A long ball was sent into Kaduna’s territory, Kufre Okon gave it a good chase and just when he was planning to execute the finish, goalkeeper David Adolphus misjudged his timing and took him.
The referee gave the inspiration captain of Research Model a straight red card and awarded a penalty to Akwa-Ibom. Skipper of the Uyo based team, Uwakmfon John scored from the spot to level up.
Ten-man team from Kaduna did not sit back in the second half, they came all out for the win but couldn’t break Christ the King’s defence. Coach Aliyu Usman’s team showed good character and went on to win in the shoot-out.
For Enyeanugie Primary School, Edo the battle for a place in the final against Nana primary school of Delta state was a fierce encounter.
Enyeanugie opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Toho Eventus. He scored a stunner. It didn’t take long before Nana leveled up through Mine Advice after a fine move. Just before the break, Mmerem Innocent restored the lead for the Edo team.
On resumption of the second half, Miracle Casila, nicknamed “magic touch” made it 3-1 for Coach Aghahowa Osayomo’s team. Nana kept on fighting, they struck the woodwork twice, before pulling one back through Peter Joel.
But they left it too late as Edo held on, to record a well-deserved 3-2 victory.
Nana will now face Christ The king in the third place match on Wednesday.
On the final day, there will also be a novelty match between Channels FC and Eko Football team.
The match will be played before the final game which is expected to start by 4pm.
