The sixth edition of the U-13 JOF Kids Cup Tournament ended at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Sports Centre, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, amid pomp on Sunday, with Varsity Football Academy from Lagos Island stealing the show to cart home the coveted trophy of the championship.
The final ceremony, which was attended by dignitaries from the government and the private sector, lived up to expectations with glamour and side attractions, and was another moment for the kids from Varsity Football Academy who fought their way to the final amid tough opposition. God of soccer, however, gave them the day with an early penalty kick, a few seconds into the match, that gave them the lone goal of the hard-fought victory over B. Unit from the Mainland
The winning team were spoiled by the sponsor, JOF Nigeria Limited with the star prize of N750,000 with other assorted gifts. Second-place winners, B. Unit boys, were rewarded with the sum of N500,000. Strong Dove from Orile, who beat First Class Boys from Lagos 3-1 in the third place match, were given the sum of N350,000, while the fourth position got the sum of N250,000.
Three understanding players were also rewarded with N25,000 each. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Abdullahi Akinremi from Varsity Boys FC, Highest Goals Scorer, Marvellous Gavor of B. Unit, who scored eight goals and the Best Goalkeeper, Varsity Boys’ Alex Peter.
Dignitaries, among whom were Dr. Olusegun Olugboyegun, the Chairman/CEO of JOF Nigeria Limited, his wife, and others who included some notable Nigerian ex-internationals, watched the final with enthusiasm and praised the soccer artistry displayed by the two finalists with the submission that JOF Nigeria Limited’s efforts to identify with the youths and discovered football talent from the grassroots is paying off.
In his post-match remarks, Dr. Olugboyegun, while commending the new Champions and other participating teams, praised the organisers, the Lagos State Grassroots Football Association and the Organising Committee for putting in place a commendable 6th U-13 JOF Kids Cup Tournament.
He noted that the frenzy that the competition has generated since its first edition is a testimony of his strong belief in the youngsters of this country, adding that what the youths need to excel is the support and enabling environment.
He disclosed that the sponsor won’t rule out extending the tournament’s scope beyond Lagos State, most especially to the states in southwest Nigeria.
“For the past six editions, we have seen how far we have been able to impact our youngsters in Lagos State. This is commendable and gives up the motivation to take the tournament to the next level by giving teams from the southwest region the chance to feature in the JOF Kids Cup,” he said.
