Fortune FC and Labro Girls have been crowned champions of the 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi U17 Football Tournament following an exciting finale at the historic Onikan Stadium in Lagos, where both the boys’ and girls’ categories delivered intense and highly competitive encounters.
The tournament, sponsored by SIFAX Group in honour of its Chairman, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, has grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected grassroots football competitions, attracting dozens of youth teams from across Lagos State and providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities.
In the boys’ final, Fortune FC defeated FC Dynamos of Iwaya 2–0 in a well controlled performance that highlighted their tactical discipline, physical strength, and clinical finishing in key moments of the match.
The game began with both sides showing early caution, as FC Dynamos attempted to build possession from the back while Fortune FC pressed aggressively in midfield to disrupt their rhythm. The opening stages were evenly contested, with few clear scoring chances as both teams settled into the high stakes encounter.
Fortune FC gradually grew into the match and began to assert dominance in midfield, using quick passing transitions and wide play to stretch their opponents. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 27th minute when forward Ibrahim Salisu opened the scoring after capitalising on a defensive error inside the box. Salisu reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner kick, slotting calmly past the FC Dynamos goalkeeper to give his side a deserved lead.
FC Dynamos attempted to respond immediately, pushing forward with increased intensity and creating a couple of half chances through winger Emmanuel Adebayo, but Fortune FC’s defence remained compact and well organised, limiting clear opportunities on goal.
In the second half, Fortune FC maintained control of the tempo and continued to threaten on the counterattack. Their persistence was rewarded in the 63rd minute when midfielder Chinedu Okoro doubled the lead with a well placed finish from the edge of the penalty area after a swift attacking move. Okoro’s strike into the bottom corner effectively sealed the victory and sparked celebrations among Fortune FC supporters and technical crew.
Despite late pressure from FC Dynamos, including efforts from striker Tunde Alabi, Fortune FC goalkeeper Daniel Musa produced key saves to preserve the clean sheet and ensure his team completed a commanding performance.
The girls’ final between Labro Girls of Ipaja and Starlet Girls of Idimu proved to be a tightly contested affair, ending 0–0 after regulation time before Labro Girls triumphed 5–4 in a tense penalty shootout.
Both teams approached the match with caution, prioritising defensive structure and organisation. Starlet Girls created the first clear chance in the 18th minute through striker Aisha Bello, whose shot from close range was saved brilliantly by Labro goalkeeper Grace Ogunleye.
Labro Girls responded with attacking intent of their own, with midfielder Funmilayo Adeyemi orchestrating play from midfield and linking up well with forwards Janet David and Blessing Udo. However, Starlet Girls’ defence, led by captain Mary Joseph, remained resolute throughout the first half.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield battles and defensive duels. Labro Girls came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 54th minute when Janet David struck the crossbar with a powerful effort from inside the penalty area.
Starlet Girls also threatened late in the match through substitute striker Chioma Nwosu, but her effort was denied by another strong save from Grace Ogunleye, who kept Labro Girls in the contest.
With no goals after 90 minutes, the match proceeded to penalties where tension reached its peak. Labro Girls converted five of their spot kicks through Blessing Udo, Funmilayo Adeyemi, Janet David, Ifeoma Okeke, and Deborah Martins. Starlet Girls scored four penalties but missed their final attempt, handing Labro Girls a dramatic 5–4 shootout victory.
The victory sparked emotional celebrations as players and coaches embraced on the pitch, celebrating a hard earned triumph after a disciplined and determined performance throughout the tournament.
This year’s edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Cup featured 56 teams, including 32 boys’ teams and 24 girls’ teams, competing across various venues in Lagos before the final stage at Onikan Stadium. The competition has continued to serve as a major scouting ground for young talents across the state.
Organisers emphasized the importance of grassroots football development, noting that the tournament has helped bridge the gap between amateur and professional football in Nigeria. Over the years, several players discovered through the competition have progressed to academy and professional levels.
SIFAX Group reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment through sports, highlighting football as a key tool for talent discovery, discipline, and social development among young Nigerians.
As the 10th edition concludes, attention now turns to the future of the standout players, many of whom are expected to attract interest from football academies and scouts monitoring youth development across the country.
The tournament once again reinforced its reputation as a breeding ground for future stars and a celebration of Nigeria’s vibrant grassroots football culture.
