Naira rain, as Seamoriow U15 team emerge champions

By Rasaq Oboirien

Total prize money awarded reached N6 million, including home appliances valued at N1.5 million, such as smart TVs, chest freezers, standing fans and branded school bags, as the 5th edition of the Seamoriow U15 League Championship ended in Lagos.

The event, one of the biggest grassroots football tournaments in Alimosho, was graced by notable figures: His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello (Olanwa I, Olofin V) of Isheri-Olofin Kingdom, Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide League One, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo, and  Lagos State Football Association LSFA) Vice Chairman Dotun Coker and Super Eagles legend Victor Ikpeba, alongside other VIPs.

The 2026 edition, themed “RUN IN GRACE” with the message “Surrender – Strive – Succeed,” began on August 24 with 16 teams competing for the top prize.

Seamoriow U15 emerged champions, earning N2.5 million and making history as the first team to defend their title successfully, after scoring five goals past Arewa Warriors FA in a thrilling six-goal final attended by over two thousand fans at the Seamoriow Sports Complex in Abaranje, a Lagos suburb.

Organiser of the annual tournament, President of Seamoriow Sports Limited, Oluwaseyi Amos, expressed gratitude, stating, “I give God the glory for the event’s success and show appreciation to everyone who contributed behind the scenes—from sponsors and media to fans and my family. I’m proud to see this project bring smiles; the 2026 edition was blessed with Grace, quality, good play, and sportsmanship. We also raised the stakes on prizes thanks to our sponsors, which will help revive grassroots football.”

Dr. Ogunnowo said: “This achievement by Seamoriow Sports Limited is commendable; such initiatives are essential for community football development, and emerging talents from the U15 tournament will likely rise to stardom in future professional leagues.”

Arewa Warriors FA received #1.3 million, and the second runner-up, Shuffle Select FA, took home #700,000.

Monday Austine from Seamoriow FA was named Best Goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player, while his teammate Divine Imoh received the Most Creative Midfielder award.

Quayyum Babatunde of Super Accurate FA won the Golden Shoe award, and coach Salahdeen Mansur of Arewa FA was named Best Coach.

Adebayo Ramadan of Pumah FA scored the tournament’s best goal, while Muhammed Musa of Arewa FA received the Run in Grace Award.