Government College, Eric Moore, emerged victorious at the Femi Gbajabiamila U-16 Football Tournament, carting home a golden trophy and a handsome cash prize of N500,000 as part of the N1m prize pool for the top three teams.
The team triumphed over Iponri High School with a commanding 3-0 victory in the final held at the Abati Barracks Mini Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended the organisers for creating a platform to nurture young talents and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to youth and sports development.
“This competition aligns with our vision to promote education through sports. It’s encouraging to see talents being discovered, and we are committed to sustaining such initiatives,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The tournament, powered by Nollywood actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliott in honour of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila featured 16 school teams and aimed to engage students while addressing socio-economic challenges. Elliott praised the participants and revealed plans for a full football league in Surulere by 2025.
Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in a recorded message, lauded the players and organisers for their efforts.
“We have uncovered great talents from this tournament. I congratulate the winners and urge all participants to prioritise education, avoid drug abuse, and remain focused on their goals,” he said.
The Lagos State Sports Commission’s Director-General, Lekan Fatodu, highlighted the tournament’s success in identifying exceptional players saying, “We’ve discovered about 35 talents with the potential to reach professional levels. This initiative is a strategic way to keep our youth engaged positively.”
In the third-place match, Obele Community High School edged out Zumratul Islamiyah High School in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Cash prizes of N500,000, N300,000, and N200,000 were presented to the winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up respectively. The tournament was hailed by sponsors, including Afolabi Aiyela, CEO of Welbeck Electricity Distribution Limited, who emphasised the importance of private-sector involvement in youth development.
Coaches and players called for more competitions to further engage students and harness their potential. Tope Omisanya, Coach of Government College, expressed pride in his team’s performance, attributing their success to consistent preparation and teamwork.