Fortune FA crowned champions as Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle U-14 League ends

The Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle Under-14 Football League, sponsored by the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, reached a thrilling climax at the Nathaniel Idowu Football Pitch, Oregie, where the Super 4 finals delivered drama, goals, and a carnival of grassroots football.

The one-day finale featured two semi-finals, an All-Star exhibition, the third-place playoff, and a pulsating final — all played before an electric crowd that turned the venue into a true celebration of youth sport.

Adding colour to the occasion was Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi, National President of the Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club, whose contingent brought their trademark drumming and dancing, transforming the atmosphere into something reminiscent of a Super Eagles matchday. Ogunjimi praised the organisers — the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Sports Council, led by McAnthony Anaelechukwu — for their professionalism and commitment to youth development, while also commending Yemi Idowu's continued investment in grassroots football.

On the pitch, Fortune FA stormed into the final with a ruthless display. Adebayo Lateef struck a blistering first-half hat-trick, while Odeshola Odunayo added a brace to overwhelm Pure Talent FA, who managed two consolation goals. The second semi-final was a tense, goalless affair, with Strong Dove FA holding their nerve to win 4–2 on penalties.

The All-Star game provided entertainment and a breather for the finalists, while inclusion took centre stage as 150 girls from the "Let Her Play Project" were honoured with certificates, food packs, and cash gifts — a landmark gesture underscoring the Foundation's commitment to both boys and girls in sport.

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Ajegunle United SC claimed bronze through Solomon James, whose brace included a strike hailed as the goal of the tournament. In the final, Strong Dove FA struck first through Tejumola Boluwatife, but Fortune FA equalised through Markson Victor.

With the sides inseparable at full time, penalties decided the champion. Fortune FA prevailed 3–2, with Odunayo converting the decisive kick to seal glory.

Generous rewards followed: Fortune FA lifted the giant trophy and ₦500,000, with each player receiving ₦5,000. Strong Dove FA earned ₦300,000, Ajegunle United SC ₦150,000, and Pure Talent FA ₦75,000, while the fifth and sixth-placed teams were also recognised.

The season will culminate next month at the New Maracana Sports Complex, Tolu, where the Best XI and individual award winners will be unveiled.

From the first whistle to the final penalty, the Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle U-14 League reaffirmed its role as a vital pipeline for talent, discipline, and community pride — proof of football's power to unite and inspire Ajegunle.