The finals of the 6th edition of the annual U-13 JOF Football Tournament being organised by Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association will hold on Sunday, April 27 at The Sports Centre of University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.
Disclosing this during a press conference to herald the finals, Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji, Director Strategic Support Services, JOF Nigeria Limited, sponsors of the tournament expressed happiness that the tournament is growing in leaps and bounds as well as creating opportunities for talented young stars to exhibit their football artistry.
According to him, the tournament’s cardinal points are to consistently deliver a platform for young footballers under the age of 13 years to showcase their skills on a high level, be a beacon for nurturing young footballers in Nigeria, a breading ground for future football stars, promote sportsmanship and leadership skills as well as contribute to the development of grassroots football I’m the country.
He noted that 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.
“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 assured.
The Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association in their address of welcome read by the association’s Assistant Secretary, Abubakre Ishola, expressed their appreciation to the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of JOF Nigeria, Dr. Olusegun Olugboyegun and the entire management of the company for their steadfastness in sponsoring the tournament for the past six years even as they announced that Usman Timilehin of Zamalek Boys who played in the 4th edition of the tournament is now with the Lagos State U-15 boys team.
Meanwhile, the finals will see B. Unit Boys of Surulere trade tackles with Versity Boys of Lagos Island in what promises to be an explosive encounter
It will be preceded by the third place match between Strong Dove of Orile and First Class Boys of Lagos Island.
To get to the finals, B. Unit Boys defeated Strong Dove by 4-2 penalty after their semi- final clash ended in a 2-2 draw while Versity Boys, recorded a 3-1 victory over First Class Boys to qualify for the finals.
A total of 64 teams registered for the tournament which kicked off on February, 16, 2025 on knockout basis with Shakers Boys of Oshodi and Omnia Babes of Oto Awori opening the competition.
Winners of the tournament will go home with a giant trophy and N750,000 while the first and second runners- up will pocket N500,000 and N350,000 respectively with the fourth placed team getting N250,000.
Also tournament’s top scorer, Most Valuable Player and the Best Goalkeeper will get N25,000 each.
