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 10 th 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 FA, Oshodi and Labro Queen, Oyingbo, emerged
winners of the boys and girls competitions respectively.
Fortune FA 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.
