Rivers State have emerged champions of the South South U:18 championship hosted in Yenagoa the Bayelsa State capital after days of hostilities at the Biogbolo/Yenizuegene Community Secondary School field.
In the battle of rivers, Rivers State beat Cross Rivers 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Michael Precious put Rivers ahead on 23 minutes from a 30 yard free kick.
Despite conceding early in the first half the youthful Cross Riverian showed rugged determination to the leveler but were severally truncated by the solid Rivers defence.
When it looked like Rivers were going to win 1-0 on regulation time, the Cross River side restored parity to stretch the game into a penalty shootout with both sides converting their first penalty kicks.
Earlier in the losers final Edo State beat Bayelsa 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation in front of their fans having lost 1-3 in semi finals during the tournament.
Despite the defeat the Chairman of Bayelsa State Football Association, Bar Porbeni Ogoun believes that the future is bright for the young lads describing the Bayelsa team as the youngest in the tournament.
