The Admiralty Football Club of the Nigerian Navy emerged victorious in an inter-agency football tournament held at the Navy Sports Camp in Apapa, Lagos, claiming the top prize of one million naira after defeating the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) 2-0. This four-day event saw intense competition among various teams, with the NURTW finishing as runners-up and receiving 600,000 naira, while the third-place team, The People’s Team, took home 300,000 naira. Organized by Charbel Olusanya, CEO of Twenty Bucks Creative, the tournament attracted over 4,000 football fans, highlighting the growing popularity of football in the region.
Olusanya took the opportunity to express his vision for the tournament and its broader implications for grassroots football. He pledged to leverage his global sports connections to open doors for aspiring players, emphasizing the importance of promoting peace and unity through sporting events where both government and civilian participants could come together. He acknowledged the substantial support from sponsors such as MTN and Mekano, as well as assistance from various government officials, which contributed to the tournament’s success. Olusanya’s remarks reflected a commitment to fostering a sense of community among participants and fans alike.
The tournament’s impact on the local community was significant, with Olusanya noting that it had brought the people of Apapa together during the four-day event. He revealed that some players had already been identified for professional opportunities, with 23 players selected to pursue professional careers, including three set to undergo trials in Turkey. His determination to support young talent underscored a larger mission to elevate the status of grassroots players. Olusanya’s ambition was to assist these talented individuals in finding their footing in the world of professional football.
Adding to this encouraging atmosphere, Gabriel Akande, a FIFA-licensed agent present at the event, shared his enthusiasm for the discovered talents. He confidently predicted that by December 2024, at least two players from the tournament would have made significant strides on the global stage. Akande confirmed that among the participants, three players displayed exceptional skills and potential that could lead to international opportunities. His presence as a scout reinforced the tournament’s role as a platform for emerging talent to showcase their abilities.
Players who participated in the tournament shared their excitement and gratitude for the event. Tosin Emoruwa, recognized as the tournament’s best goalkeeper for the NURTW team, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to compete in such a well-organized event. He credited Olusanya for amplifying the voices of the players and facilitating an experience that had left a positive mark on his football journey. Meanwhile, Ogbonna Ebuka from the winning Navy team emphasized the significance of their victory, highlighting the tournament as a milestone in Ajegunle’s football history and commending the organizers for their efforts in ensuring a fair competition.
Overall, this inaugural tournament not only showcased football talent but also served as a catalyst for unity and growth within the community. With a successful turnout and an enthusiastic reception from players and spectators alike, Olusanya’s vision for intertwining sports with opportunities for local talents has begun to take root. The acknowledgment from players, sponsors, and scouts indicates a promising future for grassroots football in Nigeria, potentially leading to enhanced chances for young athletes to realize their dreams. As the tournament concluded, the impact of this event will likely resonate within the community long after the final whistle, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at nurturing and promoting local talent on both a national and international scale.
