ECN Global Academy on Saturday booked a place in the semifinals of the 2025 ECN/Gwagwalada Coaches U-17 Tournament currently holding in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

 

The ECN boys edged Dukpa United 2–1 in an entertaining quarterfinal encounter. ECN Global Academy took the lead with a solitary goal before halftime. Dukpa United responded strongly after the restart to restore parity, but ECN sealed victory late in the game from the penalty spot to secure their passage to the last four.

 

Earlier in the day, Golden Boys recorded a hard-fought 2–1 victory over De-Royal Academy to progress. In another quarterfinal clash, Bocknor Academy and Desert Warriors played out a goalless draw in regulation time before Desert Warriors prevailed 5–4 on penalties.

 

In one of the most dramatic games of the tournament so far, two-time defending champions Sensational Stars saw their title defence come to an end. The champions surrendered their lead twice before eventually losing 5–4 on penalties to Medical Feeders after regulation time ended in a draw.

 

Reacting to the outcomes, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Moses Nuhu, expressed satisfaction with the quality of football on display. Popularly known as Man Breaker by admirers, Nuhu said the results reflected the steady growth of grassroots football development in Gwagwalada.

 

According to him, the standard of play has been very high, noting that the teams that reached the quarterfinal stage are among the best academy sides in the area. He further announced that the semifinals will be played on Tuesday, 10 February, and 11 February while the grand finale of the 7th edition of the tournament is scheduled for Sunday, 15 February 2026.

 

The semifinal pairings will see ECN Global Academy face Golden Boys, while Desert Warriors will battle Medical Feeders for a place in the final.