Buruj Emerges Champion Of Dubai Tournament

Buruj Sports Academy on Friday evening in far away Dubai, United Arab Emirates emerged as the overall Champion of this year’s edition of Dubai Invitational Tournament after beating home side Precor Academy 4-2 in penalty shootout.

The pulsating final game had ended 2-2 in regulation time before the Nigerian representatives got the better of their opponents in the shootout. It was Precor who took the lead after a mix-up in the defence but Noah Salaudeen restored the parity before Stanley Nwaberiaku put Buruj in front.

Precor fought back to equalise in the dying minutes to take the game in to extra-time but no winner emerged which meant the game must be decided through penalties.

Buruj Sports Academy had earlier in the day in a friendly match trial organised by the organisers, Team Tours Direct, defeated English side Prince Thorpe College 2-0 with goals coming from sleeky forward Onwe Uchechukwu assisted by Salaudeen Noah and Ikechukwu Ahaiwe.

Speaking after the match, the CEO of the academy, Salaudeen Waheed was full of gratitude to God for the great feat achieved by his boys and also hailed the indomitable spirit of his boys from the first game to the last in the tournament.
He also dedicated the trophy to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who he described as a father-figure and source of inspiration.
He was optimistic that it was just the first among many cups his academy will win this year.