The team Faji/Evans has emerged victorious in the hotly contested 4th edition of the Under-19 Afinni Unity Cup, defeating rivals Campos/PopoAguda in a thrilling final held at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan, Lagos, reports ITREALMS.
After an exhilarating match ended in a 2-2 draw, Faji/Evans secured the championship by prevailing 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
The annual tournament, aimed at fostering youth development and community unity on Lagos Island, distributed significant prizes. The winning team, Faji/Evans, received a cheque for ₦3,000,000, while Campos/PopoAguda secured the second-place finish and a prize of ₦2,000,000. Rounding out the top finishers, Okesuna/Abitipa took home ₦1,000,000 for third place, and Ebute-elefun/Sura received ₦500,000 for their fourth-place finish.
The initiative, championed by the organiser, Hon. Suleiman 'Lanre Afinni (member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Lagos Island II), received high praise from dignitaries. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, commended the focus on grassroots engagement.
In the same vein, the Executive Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, Mayor Folawiyo Muibi Alade, expressed excitement over the tournament's continuity, noting its success in promoting unity and good relations among the Island's youth.
The annual tournament, aimed at fostering youth development and community unity on Lagos Island, distributed significant prizes. The winning team, Faji/Evans, received a cheque for ₦3,000,000, while Campos/PopoAguda secured the second-place finish and a prize of ₦2,000,000. Rounding out the top finishers, Okesuna/Abitipa took home ₦1,000,000 for third place, and Ebute-elefun/Sura received ₦500,000 for their fourth-place finish.
The initiative, championed by the organiser, Hon. Suleiman 'Lanre Afinni (member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Lagos Island II), received high praise from dignitaries. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, commended the focus on grassroots engagement.
"This is what I call community engagement, getting in touch with the grassroots, getting in touch with our people, most especially the youths," she maintained. "It is a laudable event, and I am proud of the organiser, Honorable 'Lanre Afinni." Meranda further called for more active participation to solidify community ties.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to nurturing local talent, Adeboye Adeyinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, emphasized the tournament's role as a feeder system.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to nurturing local talent, Adeboye Adeyinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, emphasized the tournament's role as a feeder system.
"What we see here is a lot of players ready to serve our country. Kudos to Hon. Afinni; he has done excellently well with the love he has shown for grassroots sports,"
Adeyinka stated, adding that the sustainability of the four-edition tournament is vital for forging community engagements and preparing players for the national Under-17 and Under-21 Super Eagles teams.
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He encouraged the young footballers to maintain discipline and focus as international career opportunities are now available.
Hon. Afinni, the organiser, highlighted that the tournament is designed to be a "One-stop shop of Entertainment," connecting sports with the local culture.
Hon. Afinni, the organiser, highlighted that the tournament is designed to be a "One-stop shop of Entertainment," connecting sports with the local culture.
This year's event featured a blend of cultural performances by the Fanti carnival and music from top artistes like Alhaji Sulaiman Alao Malaika and Terry Apala, alongside upcoming Lagos Island talents.
The presence of notable attendees, including politicians, International scouts, and FIFA agents, confirms the tournament’s growing recognition as a reliable platform for discovering new football talents within Lagos Island.
*Gbemi Omotoso/Editor
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