Akomolede Babatunde shone like a star for Sporting Lagos in their victorious outing at the 2024 Gothia Cup in Sweden.
In a groundbreaking achievement for Nigerian football, Sporting Lagos have claimed the prestigious Gothia Puma Trophy at the 2024 Gothia Cup in Sweden.
Pulse Sports reports that the Tech Boys have now become the first Nigerian team to do so to lift the world’s biggest youth tournament, doing so without tasting defeat.
![Gothia Cup: Beyond Limits set up all-Nigerian semis vs Sporting Lagos after ending Ghana's Right to Dream](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/18072024/8ea1315d-a4dc-4720-a874-72285647b8b5.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
18:52 - 18.07.2024
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At the heart of this historic triumph stands Akomolede Babatunde, a young prodigy whose extraordinary throw-in skills have taken the football world by storm.
Nigerian wonderkid steals show in Gothia Cup
Babatunde's ability to transform throw-ins into lethal attacking opportunities proved decisive throughout the tournament.
![Akomolede Babatunde was Sporting Lagos' most outstanding player.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/21072024/120c3bb3-2e68-467e-ac3e-819269374756.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
His semifinal performance against fellow Nigerian side Beyond Limits was particularly spectacular, as he provided a hat-trick of assists from throw-ins in a nail-biting 5-4 victory.
The final against FC Tokyo saw Babatunde maintain his impressive form. Sporting Lagos dominated the match, securing a commanding 4-0 win, with Babatunde capping off the performance by scoring a thunderous goal himself.
![What the win meant to Sporting Lagos.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/21072024/40d539a4-eb03-481f-b470-de2537537846.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
When questioned about the origins of his unique talent, Babatunde humbly stated in a post-match interview;
"I was born with it. I am always training, working hard on it."
![A proud Babatunde rewarded for his brilliance against Beyond Limits.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/21072024/acd5a41f-b28c-48b9-886c-4f4dc6a00968.png?operations=fit(480:))
This combination of natural ability and dedicated practice has clearly paid off for the wonderful 17-year-old and Sporting Lagos, who have something to celebrate after their seniors were relegated in the NPFL.
Babatunde's exploits have garnered significant attention on social media platforms like TikTok, where videos of his remarkable throw-ins have gone viral.
![Sporting Lagos won the Gothia Cup unbeaten.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/21072024/8afec9d0-763c-4880-9e71-1b4872f279a0.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Fans have drawn comparisons to former Stoke City player Rory Delap, renowned for his long throw-ins.
One social media user humorously commented, "Ghana will think we bribed God," highlighting Nigeria's wealth of football talent.
The young star's performances have not only secured victory for his team but have also showcased the depth of talent within Nigerian football.
This win at the Gothia Cup marks another significant milestone for Nigerian football, with Akomolede Babatunde's unique skills playing a pivotal role in writing this new chapter in the country's sporting history.
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