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“Ronaldo Inspires Me” — Ekeh Smart Fires Sharp Striker to U-15 Victory with Stunning Brace
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.
READ ALSO: “I Dream of Playing for Nigeria Like Osimhen” — Femmco U-10 Star Tella Boluwatife
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.
Edo Queens midfielder Valentina Uroko has revealed that her stunning free-kick against USFA was the result of repeated practice in training, after the Nigerian champions powered into the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifying tournament with a commanding 5-1 victory.
READ ALSO: Edo Queens Demolish USFA 5-1, Storm WAFU-B Champions League Final
Uroko produced a moment of brilliance at the Stade 4 Août in Ouagadougou on Wednesday, scoring from an almost unimaginable position to give Edo Queens a 3-0 lead just before half-time.
The midfielder said she had repeatedly practised the technique during training and was delighted to see it finally produce a goal on the continental stage.
“I practise it in training and it is something that I kept trying, so I’m happy that it turned out good today,” Uroko said.
Her spectacular strike came in the 45th minute, shortly after Chioma Moses had doubled Edo Queens’ advantage.
Earlier, Atume Doosuur had opened the scoring in the 17th minute as the reigning NWFL champions established control of the semi-final.
Edo Queens returned from the break with even greater intensity, with Doshima Tarnum scoring directly from a corner just a minute into the second half to make it 4-0.
Aminat Folorunsho completed the scoring for the Nigerian side in the 62nd minute, effectively putting the contest beyond USFA before the hosts managed a consolation goal in the 91st minute.
The emphatic result sends Edo Queens into the WAFU-B final, keeping their hopes of regional glory and qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League alive.
The Benin-based side had earlier opened their campaign with a remarkable 7-0 demolition of AS Garde Nationale of Niger Republic, followed by a 3-1 victory over ASEC Mimosas in their first two Group B matches.
Their only defeat came in the final group game when Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies edged them 2-1 on Sunday.
Edo Queens could now meet Ampem Darkoa again in the final, setting up the possibility of a rematch with the Ghanaian champions.
Despite scoring one of the highlights of the tournament and helping Edo Queens reach the final, Uroko insisted that the team must remain focused.
“I will remain focused and not carry it away because we are not there yet,” she added.
For Uroko, the spectacular free-kick was a reward for persistence in training. For Edo Queens, however, the bigger prize is now within touching distance.
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