BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
A total of 32 teams would fight for the sum of N1.7 million in the maiden edition of the U-16 Bamofin Ladpio Johnson football tournament, which begins on Saturday at Ojoniyun Sport Centre, Mainland, Lagos.
Disclosing the prize money, the cup donor, Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, said the top four teams will get cash rewards, with the champions going home with the top prize of N750,000 with a giant trophy.Second position would receive N500,000, while third and fourth positions would pocket the sum of N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
At the draw conference held on Thursday in Lagos, the founder of ‘Johnson Initiative For Positive Impact’, who doubles as the Cup donor, Bamofin, said the NGO was set up to groom young people for leadership roles and prepare them for the future.
He explained that the sponsorship of football is in line with the foundation’s vision, saying that the football tournament is being sponsored to encourage the kids who are passionate about the round leather game in the state.
According to him, the holiday soccer fiesta will engage the kids and give talented boys the platform to exhibit their skills.
The donor further disclosed that sports, especially football, have become a tool to engage youth positively and keep them away from social vices.
While acknowledging the support of sponsors who identified with the tournament, Bamofin described the initiative as his own way of promoting youth development through sports.
The Lagos-based lawyer, however, expressed commitment to make the competition an annual event, assuring that the age-grade tournament will aid talent discovery and enhance grassroots football development in Lagos State.
Meanwhile, Nollywood actress and politician, Honourable Ronnie Dikko-Kila, who was among the invited guests, described the tournament as a big opportunity for the youngsters, urging participating teams to seize the advantage of the competition to expose their players.
Puma Football Academy of Oshodi and Starlets Football Club from Lagos Island will clash in the opening match on Saturday, July 5 afternoon at the Ojo Oniyun Mini Stadium, Ebute Metta, Mainland. The tournament will end on Sunday, August 17,2025
