The Executive Governor of  Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko says his state has benefited immensely from playing host to
the National U-13 team .

Governor Mimiko who spoke on Monday through his special adviser on sports, Fisayo Akinkuade, in Akure said the presence of the national team has served as a source of motivation to the youths in the state.

“It is a sort of awareness for our teeming youths, the aim of the Executive Governor is to take youths out of the street and make them useful people to the society, the U-13 team will help a great deal to motivate our boys,” Fisayo Akinkuade told reporters.

 The National U-13 boys who are observing a four week close camping exercise in Akure had earlier on Monday defeated Ikare
Soccer Academy 4 - 0 in a friendly match played in Ikare Akoko area of  Ondo state.

Also, the National U-13 team spanked Ibadan based Links Soccer Academy 4-0 in another friendly match played at the Liberty stadium Ibadan on Sunday evening.

The U-13 boys have now won 9 games, drawn 1 and lost 1 in 11 friendly matches played so far and have score 43 goals having conceded 11 in the process.

Team’s assistant coach, Taiwo Akeem says NFF’s U-13 programme is the best for the country.

“ When a nation invests in the youths, they are building the nation, so I think our football now has a focus if we can continue taping from the grassroots,” he stated.