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“We Moved From Best Loser to Champions” — Aphoun Revels in Legit Footers’ Historic Triumph
Legit Footers Football Academy youngster Daniel Aphoun has described his side’s triumph in the U10 category of the Late Major R.A. Owolabi Memorial Cup as a moment of immense joy after an unexpected journey from “best loser” to champions.
Legit Footers Football Academy defeated Okeola Concord Football Club 1-0 in the final, with Aphoun scoring the decisive goal that secured the maiden title for his team.
Speaking in an exclusive SPORTS247 interview, the young Togolese-born footballer revealed that he initially believed his team had been eliminated from the competition after the group stage.
“My initial feeling was that we had been eliminated from the competition before hearing about our qualification as the best loser. We moved from being the best loser to becoming champions.
I’m so happy that my team won the trophy and the tournament. I’m so glad to have scored the goal that secured this maiden title for my team,” he said.
Asked what went through his mind when the goalkeeper threw the ball to him moments before he scored the title-winning goal, Aphoun kept his answer simple.
“What came to my mind was to shoot, which I did, and the result was the title-winning goal,” he explained.
Despite his young age, Aphoun already has ambitious dreams for his football career. He wants to reach the very top of the game, both nationally and internationally.
“My goal is to become the best footballer in Nigeria, Africa and the world. Also, I want to become a legend and a footballer capable of scoring goals,” he declared.
His biggest football inspiration is Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he admires for his overall game.
“I love his gameplay—the way he shoots, marks and passes the ball,” Aphoun said.
The youngster also revealed that he supports Chelsea and particularly enjoys watching Cole Palmer, citing the club’s style of play and team togetherness as reasons for his support.
Aphoun acknowledged the important role his parents play in his football journey, saying they provide him with the necessary equipment and fully support his ambitions.
“I’m praying for them that God will help them and provide for them so they can continue to provide for me,” he said.
Asked whether he would represent Togo if called up by the national team, Aphoun was unequivocal: “Togo. I love the country so much.”
He also expressed confidence that he could one day surpass the achievements of former Togolese star Emmanuel Adebayor.
Returning home as a champion, Aphoun said he was happy and eager to share his experience with his friends. More importantly, the tournament has taught him a valuable life lesson.
“It taught me resilience and determination,” he concluded.
The Kwankwassiyya Movement has revealed its next line of action following the omission of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, deputy governorship candidate in Kano State, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the final list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Kwankwaso and his principal, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, were omitted from the list published by INEC.
The NDC has since described the omission as an error, saying it is seeking a correction.
Speaking on Arise Television, Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson for the Kwankwassiyya Movement, said there was no apparent reason for the omission, adding that the movement would engage INEC to resolve the issue.
“It came as a shock because there had been no issue with INEC. Kwankwas, a former deputy governor, is registered with the NDC and met the stipulated deadline.
“Electoral provisions give candidates 14 days to seek redress if their names are omitted from the list. We will explore that opportunity and engage with INEC,” he said.
He added: “Actually, we believe there is no particular reason for the omission. INEC itself has not advanced any reason. We believe it may be an administrative error or something else because we do not have any pending judgment or court order.
“This is a man who has already served as a deputy governor, so we cannot even question his qualification. We also believe he was duly registered with the NDC within the stipulated period.
“Therefore, the omission came as a shock. However, in politics, we have seen many things, and we believe there are always ways to resolve issues. There is also a provision in the Electoral Act.
“If he is not on INEC’s list, I believe the Kwankwassiyya Movement, being law-abiding and committed to doing things the right way, will explore that opportunity and engage INEC. We are confident that the matter will be resolved because we see no reason why it should be otherwise.”
Kano guber: Kwankwassiyya reveals next line of action over disqualification of NDC candidate
Suspected bandits have killed a 28-year-old vigilante member, Goyok Jamok, in Magi Mbar village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on October 10, prompting troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed in Mbar, to respond to the attack.
According to the sources, the troops arrived at the scene and found Jamok dead from gunshot wounds.
“The troops discovered that Jamok had been shot dead by the suspected kidnappers,” the sources said.
The assailants reportedly fled the scene after sighting the approaching troops, abandoning their mission.
The victim’s relatives later evacuated his remains for burial.
The sources said security personnel had launched efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
“The troops are making efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects,” they added.
No further details were provided about the circumstances surrounding the killing or the identities of the suspected assailants.
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