Athletic Football Academy Kaduna wins under-13 Bundesliga Cup
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Last week marked a historic moment in Kaduna as Athletic Football Academy emerged triumphant in the Under-13 Bundesliga Cup, defeating Kuso Boys in a thrilling final match at the Secret Heart Stadium in Kaduna Police Barracks.
The intense competition, which kicked off in August 2023, witnessed the participation of 24 youth teams, captivating the attention of football enthusiasts across Kaduna.
Athletic Football Academy’s stellar performance in the final secured them a resounding 3-0 victory, clinching their first Under-13 Youth Cup.
The final match saw the presence of former Nigerian Premier League players and those who had showcased their talents abroad.
Bakin, among the esteemed guests, presented the awards. Yassir Awwal, a standout player from Athletic, claimed the spotlight by not only leading his team to victory but also securing the coveted title of top scorer with an impressive tally of seven goals.
Awwal’s remarkable talents earned him the Golden Ball and a pair of prestigious football shoes.
While Athletic Football Academy celebrated their grand triumph with the sizable cup, Kuso Boys Football Academy received a small trophy for their commendable efforts in the competition.
The Bundesliga’s influence is evidently growing in Kaduna and Northern Nigeria, as the tournament successfully garnered attention from football fans and inspired the youth.
Also, former players, industry professionals, and DW Hausa station representative Mohammed Mohammed, who doubles as the Bundesliga ambassador, expressed delight at the competition’s impact.
Mohammed, who dedicated five years to organising the tournament, noted the importance of nurturing young talents. He noted that this was not the first Bundesliga Cup in Kaduna but the first exclusively for youngsters aged 13 and under.
The aim is to boost children’s confidence and foster interest in the German Bundesliga, a sentiment echoed by Mohammed.
Expressing satisfaction with the young players’ performances, Mohammed highlighted the need for continued support from the Bundesliga, DFL, and the German football organization.
He believes that such backing will elevate the competition’s standards, enhance the Bundesliga’s reputation in Kaduna, and extend its influence to major cities like Kano and throughout Northern Nigeria.