By Ifeanyi Eduzor
The 5th edition of the annual JOF U-13 boys football tournament will be rounded up on May, 12, 2024 at the University of Lagos Sports Center , Akoka, Lagos with the winner going home with a trophy and whopping sum of N750,000.
Disclosing this to journalists at a well attended press conference to herald the finals of the competition that took off on Sunday 11, February, 2024, Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji, Director Strategic Support Services, JOS Nigeria Limited, sponsors of the tournament noted that therunners-up will get N500,000 with the third and fourth best teams going home with N350,000 and N250,000 respectively in addition to trophies and other items
He also announced that the Highest Goal Scorer, Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper of the tournament will be rewarded with the sum of N25,000 each.
Adetunji further explained that because of the sponsor’s desire to creat more opportunities for young players to exhibit their skills, the number of teams that participated in this year’s championship was increased from 32 to 64 just as he expressed happiness that the competition has given hope to young talented players as well as led to the birth of JOF All Stars Team.
” Since it’s inception in 2020, the competition has consistently delivered a platform for young footballers under the age of 13 to showcase their skills by competing high levels of stretch tournaments like this.
“Over the past four years , the tournament has witnessed participations from hundreds of aspiring youths, unveiling hidden gems, promoting sportsmanship and fair play.
” The JOF U-13 tournament had emerged as a catalyst for social cohesion and Community development of our youths. Through this championship we were able to select 18 players in November last year that formed JOF All Stars team and they played friendly matches at Ademasingba Stadium, Ibadan, Abalti Barracks, Surulere and at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State.
” These players were not only camped and taught the basic principles of football but they went beyond playing football as we gave them opportunity of moving outside Lagos and have a feel of other environments”, he stressed.
Adeyinka on behalf of the Founder/ Chief Executive of JOF Nigeria Limited, Dr Olusegun Olugboyegun congratulated all the footballers, their coaches, managers, parents and supporters for being part of the success story of the championship since inception.
He also announced that the company like previous editions will be expecting some brand presence from Milo, Maltina, Lacasera, Indomie, JOF Salt, Custodian Insurance and First Bank Nigeria PLC at the finals.
In a welcome address delivered at the press conference the Lagos State Grassroot Soccer Association, organisers of the tournament, expressed appreciation to JOS Nigeria Limited for their unwavering support and commitment to youth soccer development in Lagos State ; saying that without the support of the company’s Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olusegun Olugboyegun, the competition wouldn’t have been possible.
” Today as we are unveiling the trophies for the prospective winners of this year’s tournament, let us remember that without the support of Dr. Olugboyegun, the competition wouldn’t have been possible.
” We should also bear in mind that the true value of the competition lies not only in winning but also in the lesson learnt through participating, the friendship established and the memories created along the way “, they said.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the trophies and medals to be won.
Meanwhile, Zamadek Boys of Lagos Island will face HB Utility of Ilupeju in the finals while Latoya FC of Coker will meet Strong Dove of Orile in the third place match to be decided at the same venue.
