Winners have emerged at the fourth edition of the Odi-Olowo Chairman’s Cup (OCC), with Ayisat Yusuf FA claiming the women’s title and Ghetto Tigers FC taking the U-17 championship, emphasising the tournament’s focus on grassroots teams.
The championship featured over 50 grassroots football clubs across five categories.
Ayisat Yusuf FA triumphed in the women’s category, defeating CATS Ladies in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw at Abati Barracks, Surulere.
In the U-17 category, Ghetto Tigers secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Ajibade FA in the final. Fortune FA won the U-10 category, Unification FC claimed gold in the U-13 category, and Diadem Stallions excelled in the Free Age category.
The vice chairman of Odi-olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Seyi Jakande, stated that the tournament aims to showcase talented kids. He emphasised that sports occupy free time and the event seeks to highlight the positive aspects of the Youths.
Jakande also noted that the success of the competition is reflected in players who have transitioned to professional careers in Europe after participating in previous editions.
“The importance of sports among the youths occupies their free time. The idea is to push out the positivity of Odi-olowo Ojuwoye and change the narratives out there that we have talented young people who can deliver and change the World.
“In everything we do, we make sure we align with what’s obtainable globally, and that’s how we are able to push forward in our dreams.
“In the past, we have some players that have been scouted and are playing professionally in Europe today.
“This competition is giving exposure to youngsters where their talents are exposed to the World, essentially they all come from a community where people have wrong perceptions about,” he concluded.
Reacting after the competition, the secretary of the local organising committee, Azeez Mustapha confirmed that the competition has gained popularity in Lagos and has produced numerous talented individuals who are thriving.
“Major takeaways from the championship are enormous as the calibre of teams keeps increasing and the competition is high among them. The excitement is very topnotch for nine weeks non-stop and this has helped the kids to be able to do something during the long holiday break.
“The competition has become a household in Lagos and it has produced several talents who are doing very fine for themselves and we are proud of their growth,” he said.
Players received individual awards to acknowledge their sportsmanship during the competition.
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