Nigerian grassroots football continues to make headlines as Ojodu City FC delivered an impressive 3-1 victory in Italy, advancing to the quarter-finals of the prestigious 74th Viareggio Cup. Midfield sensation Luka Shegnasa was on the scoresheet, inspiring the team’s dominant display against their Italian opponents.
Ojodu City FC, one of Nigeria’s rising football academies, showcased their growing pedigree on the international stage with a hard-fought 3-1 win in the Round of 16 of the 2024 Viareggio Cup. The match, played in Italy, saw Luka Shegnasa open the scoring, leading his team to a decisive qualification for the quarter-finals.
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The Nigerian side, led by Team Manager Paul Olayemi Ogunlaja, has defied expectations in this year’s tournament. Drawn in a competitive group alongside Empoli (Italy), Melbourne City (Australia), and Imolese (Italy), Ojodu City FC emerged from the group stage with resilience and tactical brilliance.
Their journey to the quarter-finals was highlighted by a commanding 5-0 win over Westchester United before sealing their place with a convincing performance against Honved Budapest, where Nigerian striker Ibrahim Umar Hafiz grabbed a hat-trick, increasing his tournament goal tally to nine.
The recent 3-1 win further proves the quality of grassroots football in Nigeria and the potential of young talents like Shegnasa, Hafiz, and their teammates. Ojodu City FC’s performance at the Viareggio Cup is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and football development structure back home.
As they prepare for their quarter-final clash, football enthusiasts are eager to see how far this talented Nigerian side can go in Italy.