Top Nigerian football legends including Daniel Amokachi, Dosu Joseph, Tajudeen Disu, Fatai Amoo and Waidi Akanni were among dignitaries who attended the grand finale of the 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Football Tournament at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.
The U-17 grassroots competition, sponsored by Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, has grown into one of Lagos State’s premier platforms for discovering and nurturing young football talents.
At the end of the keenly contested finals, Fortune FA, Oshodi emerged champions in the boys’ category, while Labro Queen FC, Oyingbo claimed the girls’ title.
Fortune FA secured a 2-0 victory over Dynamo FC, Iwaya in the boys’ final, with goals from Quadri Popoola and Agbato Wasiu sealing a deserved triumph.
In the girls’ final, Labro Queen FC edged Starlet Girls FC of Idimu in a dramatic penalty shootout after both sides settled for a goalless draw in regulation time. Labro Queen converted five of their six spot kicks to overcome Starlet, who managed four.
Speaking at the event, Afolabi, who attended alongside his wife, Mrs. Folashade Afolabi, expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s impact over the past decade, noting its evolution from a modest birthday football fixture into a structured talent development platform.
He emphasised the importance of investing in youth through sports, stressing that consistent mentorship and exposure are critical to helping young players realise their full potential.
“We need to encourage the youth because without encouragement, they cannot succeed. These young talents require guidance, discipline and platforms like this to build their confidence and stay focused”, he said.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association commended Afolabi and SIFAX Group for sustaining the initiative, highlighting its role in producing players who have progressed to professional football within Nigeria and abroad.
Secretary of the association, Aliyu Ganiyu, noted that the tournament has continued to provide a vital pathway for young players to showcase their abilities and pursue careers in the sport.