Former Nigerian footballers including Daniel Amokachi, Dosu Joseph, Tajudeen Disu, Fatai Amoo, and Waidi Akanni, among others, graced the final of this year’s Taiwo Afolabi Football Tournament held at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.
The U-17 tournament, which is in its 10th edition, is one of the leading grassroots football competitions in Lagos State, sponsored by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, to discover, nurture, and promote young football talents at the grassroots level.
At the end of the grueling final matches, Fortune FC, Oshodi and Labro Queen, Oyingbo, emerged winners of the boys and girls competitions respectively.
Fortune FC defeated Dynamo FC, Iwaya 2-0 in the boys’ final, with goals from Quadri Popoola and Agbato Wasiu securing the title. In the girls’ final, Labro Queen FC and Starlet Girls FC of Idimu played out a goalless draw in regulation time before Labro Queen triumphed in the penalty shootout, converting five of their six kicks to edge Starlet, who scored four from six attempts.
Speaking at the event, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Chairman of SIFAX Group, who was accompanied to the event by his wife, Mrs. Folashade Afolabi, reflected on the tournament’s journey over the past decade and expressed satisfaction with its contribution to youth development through sport. He recalled his own playing days as a young man and explained that the competition began as a modest football fixture tied to his birthday before evolving into a structured platform designed to identify, nurture and support young talent.
Afolabi noted that the tournament was established to create opportunities for young people to channel their energy productively, develop discipline and gain exposure that could shape their future careers.
“We need to encourage the youth, because without encouraging them, they cannot be successful. Young, talented football players like the one featured in this tournament require consistent guidance, mentorship and platforms that help them build their skills and confidence, as well as assist them to remain focused so as to fulfil their potential, both on and off the pitch,” he said.
Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association also commended Afolabi and SIFAX Group for sustaining the competition over the last ten years and highlighted the positive impact the tournament has had on youth football development across Lagos State.
The association’s Secretary, Mr Aliyu Ganiyu, said the tournament has provided numerous players with opportunities to showcase their abilities, with several participants from previous editions progressing to play professionally in Nigeria and abroad.
