The Nathaniel Idowu U-16 Football League continues its impressive start in Week 2, with 21 goals scored in five matches.
The matches were played on Sunday, at the New Maracana Sports complex, Tolu, Ajegunle.
Fortune FA, Ajegunle United and St. Petersburg FA were among the teams that impressed in Week 2.
The 21 goals came after 22 goals were recorded in Week 1, with the second week subsequently producing goals, individual brilliance and drama.
This brings the total goals scored in two weeks in the league to 43.
The performances further underlines the league’s potential as a platform for discovering and developing young football talents.
Fortune FA made the biggest statement with a commanding 6-0 victory over Divinely Blessed.
Odunayo Odesola led the rout with a first-half hat-trick, scoring in the third, 16th and 25th minutes.
Daniel Udoh added Fortune’s fourth goal, before the break.
However, Divinely Blessed were reduced to 10 players, after goalkeeper Mira Odey was sent off for bringing down an onrushing attacker.
Fortune capitalised on the numerical advantage after the interval, with substitute Akanbi Quadri scoring twice in the 63rd and 70th minutes.
Agbato Wasiu also played a key role in the victory, with four assists, including three in the first half.
Odesola was named ‘Man of the Match’ for his outstanding performance.
Meanwhile Young Eleven also secured a narrow victory in a closely fought encounter.
Chiemerie Eneali scored the decisive goal in the 68th minute, after both teams had played out a goalless first half.
In another encounter, Atico FA and Bright Stars FA shared the points in a dramatic 1-1 draw.
Timilehin Ajomale, put Atico ahead in the 74th minute, but Week 1 hat-trick hero, Valentine Aniako equalised six minutes later.
The goal took Aniako’s tally to four in the competition.
Bright Stars’ Sheriff Musa was named Man of the Match for his influential midfield performance.
Also, Ajegunle United, recorded a dominant 4-0 victory over Moore Wins, in a highly anticipated derby.
Peter Adoga opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after capitalising on a goalkeeping error.
Onyebuchi Okolo doubled Ajegunle’s advantage five minutes later.
Adoga scored his second goal in the 74th minute, before Okolo completed the scoring with a superb low-driven free kick in the 81st minute.
In spite of the difficult weather conditions, Ajegunle controlled the encounter from start to finish.
The victory also provided a strong response after the talking points from their Week 1 outing.
In another encounter, St. Petersburg FA also produced an entertaining display against Seraphic, in an eight-goal thriller.
Ebuka Emeka scored twice, while David Ohaeri and Emmanuel Ebube were also on target for St. Petersburg.
Seraphic responded through Ebube Ugwunna and Fred Apoh, who scored two impressive free kicks.
St. Petersburg, however, held on, to claim victory in the entertaining encounter.
After two weeks, Aniako leads the Golden Boot race with four goals.
Fortune’s Agbato Wasiu, has also emerged as one of the league’s standout performers, with six goals and four assists.
With 43 goals already scored in two weeks, the Nathaniel Idowu U-16 football league has made an emphatic start.
Week three is expected to provide more goals, drama and emerging talents, as the young players continue their push for recognition.
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