Citadel Of Grace Home Wins Kidsport Charity Cup Back To Back 

Captain of Citadel Of Grace Mission International Orphanage Home, Godwin Frederick (left) receiving the winners trophy of Season 9 of Kidsport Charity Cup at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island at at weekend. 

Season 9 of Kidsport Charity Cup ended at the weekend with Citadel of Grace Mission International Orphanage Home  winning the 5-Aside Football Championship back to back at the Campos Mini Stadium on Lagos Island. 

The 2017 edition of Kidsport Charity Cup organised for Orphanages and Homes in Lagos state was proudly supported by Hope Alive Initiative (HAI), an innovation of the House of Oduduwa Foundation under the auspices of His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife.

The Citadel of Grace Home who were the winners in the 2016 edition left no one in doubt of their readiness to win this year’s event as they were ruthless and determined right from the round robin stage of the one day event, watched by the Team from HAI led by Ms Temitope Oshin and other enthusiasts.

In the semi final, Citadel team beat SOS Owu 4-0 to set up a final clash with Habitation of Hope squad who defeated Project Friendship Initiative, PFI 1-0. Citadel however emerged winners of the 2017 edition as they spanked their opponents 1-0 in the final.  The third placed match was won by SOS Owu 3-0 at the expense of PFI  in the match decided through penalty shootouts.

Team Leader of Hope Alive Initiative,  HAI, Ms Oshin hailed the soccer artistry of all the eight homes that took part in the competition, adding that Kidsport Charity Cup has given the boys an opportunity to exercise their talent outside their confined homes.

“On behalf of His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, I want to commend all the players for displaying their gifts in football to entertain fans here today. This is part of the vision of His Imperial Majesty to reach out to the less privileged in our society, to show them how we care for them and more importantly to make them happy. I could see the excitement in these boys today, ” Oshin said.

She disclosed that the HAI will liase with the organisers of Kidsport Charity Cup to identify outstanding players from this year’s event.

“Moving forward from this event, we will introduce to His Imperial Majesty the identified outstanding players in this year’s event so that they can be further assist and groom to attain greatness in their chosen career, ” the light complexion Ms Oshin told reporters.

Members of Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) in  group photography with a selected team of American players at Season 9 of Kidsport Charity Cup in Lagos. 

Captain of the champions, Godwin Frederick, said that hardwork, determination and intensive training gave his team the trophy, adding that it is the dream of every member of Citadel Grace Home football team to have a good career in football in the future.

Joseph Edem, a member of the working committee of the championship commended the players and the managements of all the participating hones for releasing the boys for the competition. He hailed the support they got from HAI and His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife. He enjoined spirited Nigerians to identify with the vision of Kidsport Charity Cup by picking up sponsorship of each of the team in the areas of kitting and other supports that will facilitate the teams’ participation  every year. He said the support will relieve the organisers the burden of the organisation of the competition.

A novelty match between a selected team of American players and Kidsport All Stars was played. The encounter ended in  1-1 draw .