All efforts put in by Strong Dove Football Academy to win a second trophy within the spate of two months fell flat on Sunday, as they lost in the final of 2nd Coach Hyacienth Nkwocha Memorial Football Carnival at Legacy Pitch of Lagos National Stadium.
Sports247 reports that Coach Lasisi Abiodun was full of great expectations that his captain, Yusuf Sheriff would be able to replicate the heroics that saw them win this year’s Addbrand Youth Cup at Abalti Barracks near Ojuelegba, Lagos on November 15th.
Read Also: NGFF President Alhaji Agboola Dabiri Commends CATS’ Products For Organising Memorial For Coach Hyacienth Nkwocha | Sports247 Nigeria
However, despite playing all the way to the final on Sunday, wearing new flashy jerseys branded by Atlas and Sheriff deployed in central defence, as against his normal role as an outside right winger, Coach Abiodun’s side lost 1-0 to Faith (F8) Ballers.
The new champions earlier defeated Intercontinental FC 2-1 on penalties, after a goalless end to 40 minutes regulation time.
They then won the first semi-final 3-0 against Awosanmi Football Academy, who earlier defeated 36 Lion FC 3-2 on penalties.
Strong Dove drew bye for the first round, based on their title-winning status of last month, and they won Sunday’s second semi-final 1-0 against Dazzle FA, who defeated Super Worries by the same scoreline in their first match.
Among the dignitaries who watched F8 Ballers beat Strong Dove by a lone goal in the pulsating final were two ex-internationals – Peter Nieketien and Tajudeen Disu – as well as top shots of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (Lagos State chapter).
