Taiwo Afolabi U-17 Football Cup Tournament attracts 56 grassroots teams, kicks off 14 in Lagos
By Uzor Odigbo
The Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association (LSGSA) has assembled 56 teams to compete in the 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi U-17 Cup football tournament in Lagos.
Tournament sponsor Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has promised to attend and watch the finals after 10 years of sponsorship. The grand finale will take place on May 2, 2026, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Waterfront Stadium) in Onikan.
The competition, organized by the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association (LSGSA) and sponsored by SIFAX Group, will feature 32 boys’ teams and 24 girls’ teams, making it one of the largest youth football tournaments on Lagos’ grassroots calendar.
Preliminary matches will be held at the Ojo Oniyun Sports Centre in Ebute Metta and the Anthony Mini Stadium in Gbagada, while the grand finale is scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
In a media chat, LSGSA Assistant Secretary Afuka Abu described the tournament as a vital platform for talent discovery and development.
“This tournament has consistently provided young players with the structure, exposure, and discipline needed to progress to higher levels. Many participants have advanced to national teams and professional clubs,” Abu said.
SIFAX Group has sponsored the competition for a decade as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts focused on youth empowerment and sports development.
According to Oliver Omajuwa, Deputy Director of Strategy and Operations, the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to creating long-term value beyond business.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. This tournament serves as a platform for discovery, development, and hope,” he stated.
Over the years, the Taiwo Afolabi Cup has produced notable players, including Samson Tijani, former Golden Eaglets captain now with Dukla Prague; Soliu Afolabi of Slovan Liberec; Chijioke Light, who featured in the WAFU Championship and Africa Women Cup of Nations; and Ebenezer Ojo, currently playing in Norway.
Football stakeholders, scouts, and administrators are expected to attend the matches as the 10th anniversary edition aims to further elevate the standard of grassroots football development in Lagos.
The sponsors have announced cash prizes for the boys’ and girls’ categories as follows:
Winners: ₦400,000 plus trophy
Runners-up: ₦300,000
Third place: ₦200,000
Fourth place: ₦100,000
The tournament has been described as a celebration of talent and purpose.
