Young attacking talent Ekeh Smart announced himself in style at the ongoing Femmco Football Championship 2026, scoring twice to inspire Sharp Striker FA to an impressive 4-1 victory over Radiance FA in their opening U-15 encounter at the NUD Playing Ground, Olose, Ifo, Ogun State.

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Smart was at the heart of Sharp Striker’s attacking display, producing a clinical brace to help his side begin their campaign on a winning note. His goals came at crucial moments as Sharp Striker overcame a competitive first half before taking control of the encounter.

Speaking exclusively with Sports247 after the match, Smart expressed his excitement at the victory while revealing his determination to continue contributing to the team’s success.

“I feel so excited and determined to win more games,” Smart said.

Despite Sharp Striker facing difficulties during the opening half, the young forward revealed that he never doubted his team’s ability to secure victory. According to Smart, his confidence remained intact from the moment the match kicked off.

“Despite struggling in the first half, I had the mindset that we were going to win from kickoff,” he explained.

His belief was eventually rewarded as Sharp Striker found their rhythm and produced a convincing second-half performance to complete the 4-1 victory.

Smart was also quick to acknowledge the source of his football ability, describing his skills as a gift from God while recognising the importance of continued learning and development.

“My skills are God-given,” he stated.

The young footballer draws inspiration from one of the most decorated players in modern football, Cristiano Ronaldo, whose career and mentality have made a strong impression on him.

Following his brace, Smart revealed that he regularly watches videos of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward as he seeks to learn from the Portuguese superstar’s movement, finishing and approach to the game.

Beyond his individual ambitions, however, Smart has set his sights on representing Nigeria.

“A moment of greatness would come when I represent the nation,” he declared.

The Sharp Striker youngster understands that reaching that level requires patience, discipline and continuous improvement.

His message was simple but ambitious: “The sky is the limit. I am learning better and I will keep learning.”

With a brace already under his belt, Smart has made an early statement at the Femmco U-15 Championship.

The challenge now is to maintain his form, continue learning and help Sharp Striker FA push deeper into the competition.

Gunmen have reportedly killed two persons, and set several houses on fire during their invasion in four communities within the Berom area of the Plateau State. 

In a statement on Wednesday by Rwang Tengwong, the spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association  (BYM), condemned the fresh attacks, adding that some residents were also injured during the attack. 

He described the incidents as another disturbing threat to the lives and livelihoods of innocent people.

“The attacks, which occurred on the night of 11 August 2026, were reported in at least four locations. In Gwa-Wereng Rim, gunmen attacked the community and killed Mr. Bulus Mwagwong, popularly known as Dikko, while his cousin, Yakubu, was fatally injured.

“In Kyeng Village, Bachi District, 47-year-old Mr. Stephen Dachollom Kaze was reportedly killed by Fulani militia at about 8:30 p.m,” he said.

Mr Tengwong said that in Dorong village, gunmen reportedly set houses ablaze, leaving residents in fear and causing destruction of property.

He added that at Jol Village, armed attackers reportedly engaged local vigilantes in an exchange of gunfire.

He noted that BYM is deeply concerned that these attacks are occurring with increasing frequency and are threatening the safety of rural communities, particularly farmers and other residents who depend on their land for survival. 

Alfred Alabo, the police spokesman in the state, was not available for comment. Text and WhatsApp messages put to him were not responded to as of press time.

This comes barely seven days after Peoples Gazette reported that three brothers of the same family members were in Tarai village of Riyom area of the state.