Youths compete for trophies and cash prizes in Lagos

The 5th edition of the annual JOF U-13 boys football tournament is scheduled for a grand finale on May 12 at the University of Lagos Sports Centre, Akoka, Lagos.

The tournament, which started on February 11 with 64 teams, has reached the final stages, with only four teams left to compete in the final and third place.

Zamadek Boys of Lagos Island will take on HB Utility of Ilupeju in the final while Latoya FC of Coker will take on Strong Dove of Orile in the third place match, all at the same venue.

Ahead of the final matches, a press conference was held in Lagos on Thursday where organizers unveiled the various trophies that would be awarded to the teams. In addition, they announced significant improvements to the prize money for the participating teams.

Increased package

Speaking to journalists, Adeyinka Adetunji, Director of Strategic Support Services at JOF Nigeria Limited, the tournament sponsors, stressed that the winner this year will walk away with a trophy and a sizeable sum of N750,000.

He further said that the runners-up will receive N500,000 while the third and fourth placed teams will take home N350,000 and N250,000 respectively, along with trophies and other prizes.

Mr Adetunji highlighted the sponsor’s commitment to providing more opportunities for young players to showcase their skills.

This year’s championship saw an increase in the number of participating teams from 32 to 64, reflecting the success of the competition in fostering hope among talented young players and leading to the creation of the JOF All-Stars Team.

“Since its inception in 2020, the league has consistently provided a platform for young footballers under the age of 13 to showcase their skills by participating in challenging, high-level tournaments such as this one,” he stated. “Over the past four years, the tournament has witnessed the participation of hundreds of aspiring youth, unearthing hidden gems and promoting sportsmanship and fair play.”

“The JOF U-13 tournament has emerged as a catalyst for social cohesion and community development for our youth. Through this championship, we selected 18 players to form the JOF All-Stars team in November last year. Friendly matches were played Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, Abalti Barracks, Surulere and Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State,” he added.

“These players were not only trained in the fundamentals of football, but were also given the opportunity to travel outside Lagos and experience new environments,” he pointed out.

Gratitude

On behalf of the leadership of JOF Limited, Mr. Adeyinka expressed his gratitude to all the footballers, their coaches, managers, parents and supporters for their contribution to the success of the championship since its inception.

He also announced that like previous editions, the finale will feature a number of supporting brands such as Milo, Maltina, Indomie, JOF Salt, Custodian Insurance and First Bank Nigeria PLC.

The Lagos State Grassroot Soccer Association, which oversaw the tournament, expressed their appreciation to JOF Nigeria Limited for their continued support and commitment to the development of youth football in Lagos State.

She stressed that without the support of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Olusegun Olugboyegun, the competition would not be possible.

“We must also keep in mind that the real value of the competition lies not just in winning, but in the lessons learned through participation, the friendships formed and the memories created along the way,” said the association.