The quarter-finals stage of the ongoing 4th edition of the Stephen Keshi National Under 17 Football Tournament saw fireworks as expected with ten goals were scored in four matches and two shots out witnessed by fans who had their hearts in their mouth from scintillating performances from the teams.
Bendel Insurance Feeders opened the round with a 7-0 bashing of Winchester City FC of Bayelsa as attacking midfield sensation Endurance Omoruyi’s hattrick, Kelvin Oni, Eyide Samuel, Alakwe Godstime, Osazee Obasuyi and Endurance Omoruyi all scored to complete the humiliation of the Bayelsa boys.
Excellent football academy and Oloke FC both were wasteful in front of goals and couldn’t get a goal against each other as they went into shoot out which Excellent FC won 8-7.
Kaita FTB of Kano scored in the nick of halftime to put themselves in the right position against a more attacking, but wasteful Unique FC of Benin. Unique FC gave themselves hope as they converted from the spot after a player was hurled down in the box. The game was dragged into kicks from the penalty mark and the Kano boys got the better of their opponents 5-4 after shoot out.
The last match of the stage saw Hollandho FC of Port Harcourt record a victory over Young Stars of Benin, to ensure that the Semi-finals will be a round of four different states, a northern and three southern states.
Semi-Final matches take place today at the same venue as the highest-scoring side, Insurance Feeders will at noon play against a more physical side, Kaita FTB of Kano.
Excellent FC has been good so far this tournament and will have a chance to book a final ticket against Hollandho FC of Port Harcourt who has been a low scoring side by 2 pm.
Much is expected from these games as the stakes are high as the tournament reaches its climax.