Abia State’s boys football team are champions once again at the National Youth Games after edging Oyo State 1–0 in a tense final in Asaba.
The defending champions had to dig deep in a game that produced few clear chances, with both sides locked in a cagey battle throughout the first half. After the restart, however, Coach Ogbonna Ikwuako’s pep talk seemed to lift the Abia boys, who grew in confidence and began to impose themselves on the contest.
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The decisive moment came in the dying minutes when Paul Bassey Offiong struck a late winner, sparking wild celebrations from the Abia bench and fans in the stands. The solitary goal proved enough to secure back-to-back gold medals for Abia in boys football.
A delighted Coach Ikwuako praised his team’s resilience and composure under pressure, dedicating the victory and gold medal to the people of Abia State and for the Government unwavering support. While acknowledging the quality of the Oyo side, the coach maintained that his boys always had the game under control.
With this victory, Abia not only defended the crown they won at the 8th National Youth Games but also reaffirmed their status as a dominant force in youth football.
