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Young Elite beats Burna FC 3 – 0 to win 2025 under-17 Orisun Challenge Cup

By Olayinka Haruna Young Elite Football Club etched their name into the history books last Saturday evening after defeating Burna FC 3–0 to clinch the 2025 under-17 Orisun Challenge Cup in emphatic fashion. The final, played at the University of Lagos International School, was dominated by Young Elite from the first whistle. Their attacking flair…

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By Olayinka Haruna

Young Elite Football Club etched their name into the history books last Saturday evening after defeating Burna FC 3–0 to clinch the 2025 under-17 Orisun Challenge Cup in emphatic fashion.

The final, played at the University of Lagos International School, was dominated by Young Elite from the first whistle. Their attacking flair and high pressing left Burna FC struggling to find their rhythm, and it didn’t take long before the breakthrough came.

In the 18th minute, striker Tunde Adebayo calmly slotted home a low finish after a sweeping counterattack, sending the Young Elite supporters into jubilation. The second goal arrived just before halftime, when captain Chijioke Nwosu rose highest to head in from a corner, doubling their advantage.

Burna FC tried to fight back in the second half, but Young Elite’s defense, marshaled by the outstanding center-back pairing of Ibrahim Musa and Kelvin Ogundele, held firm. The contest was effectively sealed in the 78th minute when substitute winger Femi Lawal curled in a stunning third goal, sparking wild celebrations from the Young Elite bench.

Head coach, Adewale Johnson praised his players after the match, saying, “This victory is the result of hard work, discipline, and belief. The boys gave everything on the pitch, and I’m proud that we are bringing the Orisun Challenge Cup home.”

For Burna FC, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but their run to the final earned them plaudits from fans and neutrals alike.

The triumph marks Young Elite’s first-ever Orisun Challenge Cup title, and their dominant display in the final signals the arrival of a new force in Nigerian football.

In the under-15 female category, Green Stars defeated Femco FC 4 – 2 on penalties to emerge winner. While Divine FC defeated Blue Liners 4 – 2 also on penalties to emerge winner of under-15 male category.

The sponsor of the Orisun Challenge Cup, Rt. General Olugbenga Olabanji, expressed enthusiasm over what he described as a highly successful tournament. He added that the 2025 edition has already showcased remarkable talents, disciplined competition, and significant growth since its inception.

“We set out to make this tournament more than just a competition, we want it to be a platform for growth, sportsmanship, and opportunity. And I believe, from what I’ve seen so far, we have delivered on that promise,” Olabanji said.

According to Olabanji, more teams and communities are showing interest year-on-year, indicating that the Cup’s reputation is rising across the region. He commended the organizers for their professionalism, from scheduling of matches to the provision of facilities and match officials.

The General reiterated his commitment to youth sports, stating that one of the goals of sponsoring the Cup is to discover and nurture young talent who could go on to national and even international stage. He said beyond the outcome, a successful tournament is one where integrity is upheld, fans enjoy the games in good spirit, and communities come together in celebration of sport.

“We made the final not just a match, but a grand celebration of the community, unity, and the ambition of our youths,” Olabanji remarked. He therefore affirmed that the support and feedback from fans, families, and participants have reinforced his belief that the Orisun Challenge Cup is more than just a tournament, adding that it is a movement that could shape the future of sports in the region.

Dignitaries present to witness the final matches include Special Guest of Honour, Major General H. T. Wesley; Corps Commander, Nigerian Army, Ordinance Corps, Major General-Oyelade; Brig. Gen. Salako, and some serving and retired military officers. Others were former Chairman, Akoka CDA, Mayor Segun Adesanya; former Councillor, Bariga LCDA, Hon. Yemisi Adeliyi; Alhaji sanyaolu and the wife of the sponsor, Mrs.Yemisi Olabanji
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