Millennium Club Kabba Silver Jubilee Football Fiesta: A Tournament for the Adolescent Ignites Kabba as Millennium Club Celebrates 25 Years of Purpose; Bounded by Ideals, Strengthened by Time.
The Millennium Club Kabba’s 25th-anniversary celebration was not just a milestone but a spectacle of grassroots football that captivated minds of young and old lovers of round leather game in the Kabba region, reaffirming the club’s unwavering commitment to intellectual and social advancement. The novelty football competition, a cornerstone of the silver jubilee, was a resounding success, unearthing a new generation of talent and reaffirming the club’s commitment to youth development and social interaction.
Six secondary schools – three selected from Kabba city centre and the other three from Kabba’s suburban areas (Ikowa-opa) – clashed in a tournament that was more than just a series of matches; it was a showcase of passion, skill, and the unifying power of the beautiful game.
The tournament kicked off with a pulsating encounter between St. Augustine College Kabba (SACK) and Claret Secondary School Kabba. The SACK boys, playing with a swagger reminiscent of a young Cristiano Ronaldo, stormed to an early 2-0 lead with goals from the dynamic duo of Victor and Abarigi. Claret’s Tolu, with a volley that would have made Ronaldinho Gaúcho proud, halved the deficit before the break.
The second half was a tense affair, with Claret pushing for an equalizer. Onoja Emmanuel leveled the score, but SACK’s resilience, a hallmark of their tournament performance, shone through. Victor, a constant threat with his intelligent movement, capitalized on a defensive error to restore the lead, and James sealed the 4-2 victory in stoppage time. James, the orchestrator in midfield, was deservedly named Man of the Match, while Victor’s brace made him the day’s top scorer.
The drama continued as Kabba Community High School (KCHS) Kakun staged a remarkable comeback against Government Science Secondary School Okedayo (GSSSOK). Down 2-0 at halftime, with Bori running riot for GSSSOK, KCHS produced a second-half resurgence.
Obamoh’s free-kick, a strike Jay Jay Okocha would have admired, sparked the revival. Sunday and Emmanuel completed the stunning 4-2 turnaround, a testament to their team’s unwavering spirit. The hero of the day, however, was KCHS goalkeeper Ajimajasan, whose string of crucial saves earned him the Man of the Match award.
The most breathtaking performance of the group stage belonged to Ayo Emmanuel of GSSSOK. In a match against Local Government Secondary School (LGSS) Otu, he was simply unplayable, scoring an incredible seven goals in an 8-0 demolition. His performance, a blend of predatory instinct and clinical finishing, drew comparisons to the likes of Thierry Henry. Ayo’s record-breaking haul not only made him the undisputed Man of the Match but also catapulted him to the top of the tournament’s goal-scoring charts with a staggering nine goals in just two games.
The goals continued to flow in a seven-goal thriller between St. Barnabas Secondary School (SBSS) and KCHS. The star of the show was Aaron of SBSS, who bagged a hat-trick in a 4-3 victory. His third goal, a sublime volley, was a moment of pure genius. Joel of KCHS also impressed, scoring a brace, but it was Aaron’s day, and he rightfully claimed the Man of the Match award.
In what felt like a dress rehearsal for the final, SACK later edged out GSSSOK in a tight contest. A convincing two goals from Abarigi and Rahman of SACK in second half was all that separated the two sides, but the match was notable for the outstanding performances of two prodigious talents: Abogunde Peter of GSSSOK and Malik Solomon of SACK. Both players displayed a level of skill and maturity beyond their years, with their dribbling and creativity reminiscent of a young Lionel Messi. Ibinaye Victor’s all-around contribution earned him the Man of the Match award, but some players had announced themselves as stars of the future.
Millennium Club Kabba’s silver jubilee football competition was a resounding success. It not only provided a platform for the region’s brightest young talents to shine but also fostered a spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. The likes of Victor, Ayo Emmanuel, Aaron, Abogunde Peter, and Malik Solomon are just a few of the names that will be remembered from this tournament. Their performances have ignited hope for a bright future for football in Kabba.
Special appreciation goes to the Millennium Club Kabba for twenty-five years of service, scholarship, social engineering, impact, and commitment to community development. Their investment in the future of the community is truly commendable.
Additionally, the officiating personnel also deserve praise for their professionalism and for upholding the values of fair play throughout the tournament. As the final match slated for 26th December between SBSS and SACK schedule to hold at Kabba township stadium, the entire Kabba region is buzzing with anticipation.
The Millennium Club Kabba has not only celebrated a milestone but has also sown the seeds for a legacy of footballing excellence.
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, December 19th 2025)
