Former Nigerian internationals including Daniel Amokachi, Dosu Joseph, Tajudeen Disu, Fatai Amoo and Waidi Akanni were among notable personalities who attended the final of the 2026 Taiwo Afolabi Football Tournament at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos.
The U-17 competition, now in its 10th edition, is one of Lagos State’s leading grassroots football tournaments.
Sponsored by Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, the tournament is designed to discover, nurture and promote young football talents at the grassroots level.
At the end of the competition, Fortune Football Academy of Oshodi and Labro Queen FC of Oyingbo emerged champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively.
Fortune FA secured a 2-0 victory over Dynamo FC of Iwaya in the boys’ final, with goals from Quadri Popoola and Agbato Wasiu sealing 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 5-4 in a penalty shootout after both sides converted five and four kicks respectively from six attempts.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, who attended alongside his wife, Mrs. Folashade Afolabi, reflected on the tournament’s decade-long journey and expressed satisfaction with its impact on youth development through sports.
He recalled that the competition began as a modest football fixture held in celebration of his birthday before evolving into a structured platform aimed at identifying, nurturing and supporting talented young footballers.
According to him, the initiative was established to provide opportunities for young people to channel their energy positively, develop discipline and gain exposure capable of shaping their future careers.
“We need to encourage the youth because without encouraging them, they cannot be successful. Young, talented football players like those featured in this tournament require consistent guidance, mentorship and platforms that help them build their skills and confidence, while assisting them to remain focused and fulfil their potential both on and off the pitch,” Afolabi said.
The Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association also commended Afolabi and SIFAX Group for sustaining the competition over the past 10 years, noting that the tournament has made significant contributions to youth football development across the state.
Secretary of the association, Mr. Aliyu Ganiyu, said the competition has provided numerous players with opportunities to showcase their talents, adding that several participants from previous editions have gone on to play professional football within Nigeria and abroad.
He described the tournament as an important platform for talent discovery and youth empowerment, while urging continued support for grassroots sports development in the country.
