Government College Ibadan (GCI) has emerged champions of the inaugural NextPro Inter-Secondary Schools Football Competition, after a tense final encounter against T.L. Oyesina Secondary School, which was decided by penalties.
The thrilling match, held amidst great excitement, ended goalless at full time, with both teams demonstrating exceptional skill, discipline, and determination. The contest was eventually settled through a penalty shootout, where GCI triumphed 7–6 to lift the coveted trophy.
Speaking after the match, the Chief Executive Officer of Femben Sports International Limited, Coach Femi Olatunji, expressed immense satisfaction with the success of the tournament and the passion displayed by the participating students.
“I am deeply delighted with the successful completion of the maiden edition of the NextPro Inter-Secondary Schools Football Competition. This initiative was conceived to identify and nurture young football talents at the grassroots level, and I’m proud of the enthusiasm shown by the students, teachers, and schools,” Olatunji said.
He lauded the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for its partnership and support, describing the collaboration as instrumental to the competition’s success.
“The spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork demonstrated throughout the competition gives us hope for the future of football in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. Congratulations to Government College Ibadan for emerging champions, and to all participating schools for their remarkable performances.
This is just the beginning, our goal is to make the NextPro Inter-Secondary Schools Football Competition an annual event that continues to inspire excellence, unity, and opportunity among our young athletes,” he added.
The event marked a significant milestone in youth sports development in Oyo State, highlighting the growing commitment of stakeholders to grassroots football promotion.
