Government College, Eric Moore, recently clinched victory in the Femi Gbajabiamila U-16 Football Tournament, showcasing an impressive performance that culminated in a 3-0 triumph over Iponri High School. The final match took place at the Abati Barracks Mini Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, where Government College not only secured a prestigious golden trophy but also walked away with a substantial cash prize of N500,000. This victory was part of a total prize pool of N1 million designated for the top three teams, emphasizing the tournament’s competitive spirit and the significant stakes involved for participating institutions.
The tournament received accolades from notable figures, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development. The Governor praised the organizers for their initiative to provide a platform where young talents could be discovered. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering youth and sports development in the state. “This competition aligns with our vision to promote education through sports. It’s encouraging to see talents being discovered, and we are committed to sustaining such initiatives,” Sanwo-Olu remarked, emphasizing the government’s ongoing efforts to blend sports and education within the youth demographic.
Powered by Nollywood actor and politician Desmond Elliott in tribute to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the tournament attracted 16 school teams. Its primary goal was to engage students while simultaneously addressing socio-economic challenges facing the young demographic. Elliott expressed pride in the participants’ enthusiasm and indicated plans for a comprehensive football league in Surulere by 2025, which aims to further develop the sport among the youth and provide more competitive opportunities in the future.
In a recorded message, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila commended both the players and the tournament organizers for their hard work, noting the valuable talent that emerged during the competition. “We have uncovered great talents from this tournament. I congratulate the winners and urge all participants to prioritize education, avoid drug abuse, and remain focused on their goals,” he said. His comments underlined the dual emphasis on sports and education as pillars for student development, instilling discipline and ambition among the youth.
Lekan Fatodu, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, highlighted the success of the tournament in demonstrating a pathway for youth engagement in sports. He noted that the tournament had successfully identified around 35 talents with the potential to progress to professional levels. “This initiative serves as a strategic way to keep our youth engaged positively,” he stated, reflecting the broader objectives of harnessing sports to uplift young people, both personally and professionally.
The tournament also concluded with a thrilling third-place match, where Obele Community High School triumphed over Zumratul Islamiyah High School in a nail-biting penalty shootout, ending the regulation time in a stalemate. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams, with N500,000, N300,000, and N200,000 going to the first, second, and third places respectively. Sponsors and stakeholders, including Afolabi Aiyela, CEO of Welbeck Electricity Distribution Limited, echoed the call for increased private-sector support in youth initiatives. Coaches and players voiced their desire for more such competitions to help develop students’ talents further, with Government College’s coach Tope Omisanya expressing pride in his team’s strategic preparation and teamwork, which were key contributors to their success.
