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All is set for the annual King Olu Awore under-18 soccer competition in the polytechnic town of Usen in the suburbs of Benin City, Edo State.

The competition which attracts youth teams from different parts of the state and beyond is one of the foremost football tournaments that take place in sports-crazy Edo State.
With the kick-off date set for January 26, the competition would last for about a week.

Meanwhile, participating clubs are currently deep into preparations for the competition. Apart from the financial gains that winners are promised, the tournament holds appeal for young players because of its prestige value.

One of the participating teams is Pegasus FC based in the Ugbekun area of southern Benin City. Captain of the team, Eto Osawaru, told News Express that he and his teammates are excited to be taking part in the tournament. “We have trained well and we want to do well in order to make Ugbekun community proud,” he said.

Osawaru captained the Edo State Polytechnic team to win the tournament last year. He says he wants to replicate that triumph with his local community team.

His words: “As a final year student of the Edo State Poly, it was a special feeling to captain my school team to glory in this competition. Lifting the trophy in front of a large crowd and TV cameras is an unforgettable experience. Now that I have graduated, I want to help my club, Pegasus, to winning this trophy.”

The youthful and soccer-loving royal father HRH Olu Ogbe 2 of Usen is expected to be present for the opening and closing matches of the tournament.

• Photo shows Osawaru (middle) proudly displaying the Olu Awore trophy he
won last year.

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