Accompanied by proud officials and parents, star footballers of Keke Senior High School-Ifako Ijaiye-Lagos returned to Nigeria on Tuesday 14 January 2014 after a 5-day all-expenses paid trip to the UAE, where they defeated Al Yasmina School-Abu Dhabi 2-nil in an international friendly put together by Etisalat.

The victorious Keke Senior High School players and their parents returned with the trophy won at the end of the match and were received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport-Ikeja by their relatives and Etisalat staff.

The trip was part of the package put in place by Etisalat for the school as winners of last year’s Etisalat/ FC Barcelona U-17 School Cup competition.

Various members of the team expressed appreciation to the management of Etisalat Nigeria for the UAE trip.

‘We actually had fun-filled outings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and I thank the management of Etisalat Nigeria for making this happen’, said coach Afolabi Ojo. ‘The young players are motivated and encouraged to take their careers seriously.’

One of the players – Victor Ohama – stated that the trip had given the entire team the necessary exposure in pursuing careers in football. ‘It was a wonderful trip and I really enjoyed myself. The trip has also helped me to gain a lot of experience and confidence’, said Victor, who scored the 2^nd and final goal in the match against Al Yasmina.

Another player – Lateef Animashaun – picked the Hill Motor Racing & Bike Centre as his most thrilling moment during the team’s stay in Dubai, while yet another – Samson Akinyiola – picked the visit to the Dubai Mall as the best moment of the trip for himself.

Here are some photos from the trip:

Keke Senior High School vs Al Yasmina School

Posing with the trophy (l-r): Specialist-Tactical Sponsorships Okanu Ibeanu (1^st from left), Coach Julius Afolabi Ojo (5^th from left), and Director of Sports-Al Yasmina Alex Smith (10^th from left) 

At Ferrari World

Arriving at Abu Dhabi with parents 

At Dubai Mall Aquarium