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Fortune FA of Oshodi and MJV of Mushin emerged champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively at the second edition of the Lagos State Grassroot Soccer Association Under-16 Boys and Girls Competition, organised as the Bamofin Ladipo Johnson Cup.
The grand finale, held at Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos, recently saw Fortune FA defeat other competing teams to claim the male category and a cash prize of N750,000, while Future Talent of Ojota finished as first runner-up with N500,000.
D Pillar of Ajah emerged second runner-up and received N300,000, while Raidance FC of Apapa finished third runner-up and received N200,000.
In the female category, MJV of Mushin also received N750,000 after emerging champions. Sports Mastaz of Ketu finished first runner-up with N500,000, while STM Dove of Ojota came second runner-up and received N300,000. Dominion Queen of Okoko placed third and received N200,000.
Speaking at the grand finale, organiser of the tournament and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Lagos Central Senatorial Candidate, Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, said sports remained an important tool for youth development and character building.
Johnson said sporting activities teach young people how to compete, handle victory and accept defeat, while also encouraging them to rise after setbacks.
“I always say that sports is very important, especially for younger ones, because it teaches them how to compete, win and sometimes lose, get up again and try again,” he said.
According to him, such lessons were essential in shaping young people and preparing them for adulthood.
Johnson said there was a need for more grassroots sporting competitions, particularly at the primary and secondary school levels, to provide opportunities for young talents to develop their abilities.
He expressed hope that scouts and other guests at the tournament would identify promising players who could take their sporting careers to the next level.
“The entire competition has been refreshing. It is good to see the talents of these younger ones and I believe this tournament in one way would have done a bit to continue to be a talent hunt,” he said.
Johnson, however, advised the young players not to abandon their education while pursuing sporting careers.
He said football could provide a viable career path, but urged participants to combine their sporting ambitions with education.
“Football is a good career path that youths can venture into to earn a living. The youths are also encouraged to further their education to complement their chosen football career path,” he said.
The NDC candidate also called on government and the private sector to increase investment in sports infrastructure, training and grassroots development.
He stressed that investment should not be limited to football, noting that young Nigerians with talents in other sporting disciplines also deserved support and opportunities to develop their skills.
Johnson congratulated the winners and urged teams that did not win to return stronger in subsequent editions.
“To the winners, they have performed well and deep down, they can even do better. To the losers, they should prepare adequately next time so that they can do better. They should improve on their skills and work harder,” he said.
Also speaking, NDC Lagos Island Local Government Area Chairman, Muyideen Bello, commended Johnson for organising the tournament, describing it as a platform for discovering and nurturing young football talents.
Bello said the competition provided young people with an opportunity to showcase their abilities while opening possibilities for future careers in football.
“This is a talent-hunt opportunity for soccer lovers and a platform to identify young talents for future career development,” he said.
The NDC Woman Leader, Fausat Jaji, also commended the initiative and urged young people to remain focused and dedicated to their chosen careers.
She described the tournament as an avenue for promoting youth development through sports and appreciated Johnson for creating the platform for youths across the Lagos Central Senatorial District.
Earlier, an NDC chieftain, Adegboyega Abolarin, urged Johnson to sustain the initiative and continue creating platforms through which young people could discover and develop their talents.
Abolarin said sustained investment in youth development through sports and education would help expand opportunities for young people across the district.
