All Set for Grand Finale of 6th JOF U-13 Football Tournament

The finals of the 6th edition of the annual U-13 JOF Football Tournament, organised by the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association, will take place on Sunday, 27 April, at the Sports Centre of the University of Lagos, Akoka.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the final match, Adeyinka Adetunji, Director of Strategic Support Services at JOF Nigeria Limited — the tournament’s sponsors — expressed delight at the steady growth of the tournament.

He highlighted the importance of the initiative in nurturing young talent and providing a platform for aspiring footballers to display their skills.

“This competition is a community-based tournament which gives opportunity to young talents to excel and since 2023, we’ve selected the best players from the tournament to form a team called ‘JOF All-Stars’ to further expose the boys and give them better opportunities and we’ll continue to build on the successes recorded,” he said.

Mr Adetunji emphasised that the tournament goes beyond competition.

 “The tournament is not just about competition but about growth, teamwork, the spirit of sportsmanship and giving young players the platform to develop their skills, build confidence and experience the joy of playing at a high level.”

According to him, the core objectives of the tournament are to consistently provide a platform for players under 13 to showcase their skills, promote sportsmanship and leadership, and contribute to the development of grassroots football in Nigeria.

“The motive behind the sponsorship is not about monetary gains but about the development of the game and the players,” he added.

Mr Adetunji also revealed plans to expand the reach of the tournament through additional partnerships.

 “We will not relent on our sponsorship but will continue to uplift the game of football in the country. We have also approached other sponsors in our bid to ensure the kids have a memorable day.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association, in a welcome address delivered by the association’s Assistant Secretary, Abubakre Ishola, expressed deep appreciation to Dr. Olusegun Olugboyegun, Chairman and CEO of JOF Nigeria, and the entire management team for their unwavering support over the past six years.

They also announced that a former player from the 4th edition, Usman Timilehin of Zamalek Boys, is now part of the Lagos State U-15 team — a testament to the tournament’s impact.

Final matches

This year’s final will feature B. Unit Boys of Surulere facing off against Versity Boys of Lagos Island in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Preceding the final will be the third-place match between Strong Dove of Orile Iganmu and First Class FC of Lagos Island.

To reach the final, B. Unit Boys edged Strong Dove via a 4–2 penalty shootout after their semi-final ended in a 2–2 draw. Versity Boys earned their spot with a 3–1 victory over First Class FC.

A total of 64 teams registered for this year’s edition, which began on 16 February with an opening match between Shakers Boys of Oshodi and Omnia Babes of Oto Awori..

Prizes and awards

The overall tournament winner will take home a giant trophy and a cash prize of N750,000. The second and third-placed teams will receive N500,000 and N350,000, respectively, while the fourth-place team will be awarded N250,000.

In addition, individual awards will be presented, including Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, and Most Valuable Player, each of whom will receive N25,000.

With preparations in full gear, organisers and sponsors are optimistic that this year’s edition will surpass previous ones in quality and impact.