Super Eagles Legends Storm Onikan Stadium for 10th Taiwo Afolabi U-17 Cup Grand Finale
: L-R: Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations, SIFAX Group, Oliver Omajuwa; Former Super Eagles Striker, Daniel Amokachi; Executive Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi; Former Chairman, Nigeria Football Association, Mr Kodjo Williams, and President General, Nigeria Football Supporters' Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo during the Grand Finale of the 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Tournament held at the Onikan Stadium on Sunday.
Super Eagles Legends Storm Onikan Stadium for 10th Taiwo Afolabi U-17 Cup Grand Finale
Onikan Stadium, Lagos turned into a reunion ground for Nigerian football royalty as the 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi U-17 Football Tournament wrapped up in grand style. Former Super Eagles stars Daniel Amokachi, Dosu Joseph, Tajudeen Disu, Fatai Amoo, and Waidi Akanni were all present, lending their presence and inspiration to hundreds of young players chasing their dreams.
What began as a modest birthday football match has, over 10 years, matured into one of Lagos State’s most respected grassroots competitions. Sponsored by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, the tournament’s mission has remained consistent: discover raw talent at the community level, nurture it with structure and discipline, and give young players a visible path to professional football.
The boys’ final was a showcase of composure and clinical finishing. Fortune FA, Oshodi outplayed Dynamo FC, Iwaya with a 2-0 victory. Quadri Popoola and Agbato Wasiu scored the goals that sealed Fortune FA’s championship run.
The girls’ final delivered pure tension. Labro Queen FC, Oyingbo and Starlet Girls FC, Idimu battled for 90 minutes without a breakthrough, ending 0-0. The match was decided by penalties, and Labro Queen showed nerves of steel — converting 5 of their 6 kicks to edge Starlet, who scored 4 from 6. The shootout win gave Labro Queen thep girls’
Front Row (L-R): Sunny Epochi, Waidi Akanni, Daniel Amokachi, Kodjo Williams, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman SIFAX Group and Michael Dominic and Brenna Alada
Back Row (L-R): Monday Kanu, Hakeem Ogunlade, Tajudeen Disu, Oliver Olabuwa, Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations, SIFAX Group, and Emmanuel Davies.
Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Chairman of SIFAX Group, attended the finals alongside his wife, Mrs. Folashade Afolabi. Reflecting on 10 years of the competition, he recalled his own days as a young footballer and how that personal connection birthed the tournament.
He stressed that the competition was never just about trophies. It was created to give young people a positive outlet, build character through discipline, and expose them to opportunities that can redefine their future.
_“We have to encourage the youth, because without encouragement and structure, success becomes difficult. Talented young footballers like those we’ve watched today need more than talent. They need guidance, mentorship, and platforms that build their skills and confidence. That combination keeps them focused and helps them fulfill their potential both on the field and in life,”_ he said.
The Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association also applauded Dr. Afolabi and SIFAX Group for sustaining the tournament for a full decade. According to the association’s Secretary, Mr. Aliyu Ganiyu, the competition has become a launchpad for young players. Many participants from previous editions have already moved on to play professionally in Nigeria and abroad, proving the tournament’s long-term impact on youth football development in Lagos.
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