Milly FC were crowned champions of the second edition of the Redemption City Football Championship on Saturday, completing a debut-winning run by beating Magboro FC 2-0 in the final at the Mini Stadium of Peaceville International Academy in Redemption City.
The triumph brought Milly FC a cash prize of N3 million, while Magboro FC, finishing as runners-up, received N1 million. Best Talent FC took home N500,000 after overcoming Future Bright FA 3-1 in the third-place play-off.
Competition details and format
- The championship was organised under the auspices of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
- It took place from April 18 and included 47 matches involving 20 clubs drawn from within and around Redemption City.
- The field expanded compared with the inaugural edition, which featured 16 clubs.
Coach Abbas Abufaru Esejamie on Milly FC’s success
Milly FC head coach Abbas Abufaru Esejamie said the title went beyond expectations, citing early injury problems that affected the squad.
“I’m over the moon. This is our first appearance in this competition, and winning it is simply amazing. We faced injuries at the beginning and had very few substitutes, but we encouraged the players to remain focused and believe in themselves. Their determination paid off,” he said.
Esejamie added that the club’s next ambition is to secure a place in Nationwide League One, and he expressed confidence his team can raise its level to meet that goal.
RCCG youth leadership explains the tournament’s purpose
RCCG’s Assistant National Youth Pastor, Pastor Oluwafemi Oyetunde, said the tournament was created to offer young sportsmen a more organised pathway to development, aligned with the church’s spiritual mission.
“We are not only interested in developing people spiritually. Many talented young people desire careers in football, and this competition provides such an opportunity,” he said.
Oyetunde also revealed that football scouts attended the event to spot promising players, with a longer-term plan to build a Redemption City club that can compete at the Nigeria Football League level.
“We have invited scouts to monitor the players and identify outstanding talents. By the grace of God, Redemption City will soon have its own football club competing at the highest level,” he said.
He further urged government at all tiers to increase investment in sports, describing it as a means of reducing crime while supporting broader national development.
