For more than four months, football fields across Lagos have been filled with excitement from parents, coaches, scouts and supporters as hundreds of young footballers have chased their dreams.
On Sunday, 28 June, that journey will climax as the seventh edition of the JOF U-13 Cup Football Tournament reaches its grand finale at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Sports Arena.
The final match will see VI Foot of Ijora face Fortune Football Academy of Oshodi at 3 p.m., while Soccer City FA of Iwaya and Ultimate Football Academy of Coker Aguda will battle for third place at 1 p.m.
More than just a fight for trophies and medals, the final marks the end of months of hard work, discipline and dedication by some of Lagos State’s brightest young football talents.
The competition, which began on 6 February, featured 64 clubs drawn from the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State. A total of 84 matches were played across three venues, producing exciting moments and showcasing the talent of young players.
For many participants, the JOF U-13 Cup is more than a football tournament. It is a platform that helps young players develop their talents while teaching important values such as teamwork, discipline, leadership and resilience.
Organised by the Lagos State Grassroots Football Association and sponsored by JOF Nigeria Limited, the tournament has grown into one of the leading grassroots football competitions in Lagos. Over the years, it has become an important platform for discovering and developing young talent.
Speaking ahead of the final, the Chairman of the JOF U-13 Football Tournament Committee, Adeyinka Adetunji, expressed satisfaction with the success of this year’s edition.
According to him, the 2026 competition has attracted significant attention from football stakeholders and grassroots sports followers.
“This year’s edition has been the loudest and most highly anticipated showcase of Lagos’ youngest stars. The JOF U-13 competition has once again spotlighted talented grassroots footballers across the state,” he said.
His remarks highlight the importance of grassroots football to the future of Nigerian football. While attention is often focused on professional leagues and international competitions, every great footballer begins somewhere, usually on local fields where talent is first discovered.
The JOF U-13 Cup has become one of those important starting points.
The competition gives young players the chance to experience organised football, while coaches and scouts can identify outstanding talent who can move on to football academies and professional clubs.
The tournament also shows the important role of corporate support in sports development. For JOF Nigeria Limited, the initiative is an investment in young people and community development, creating opportunities for children who may not have access to organised sporting programmes.
This year’s edition received support from several corporate organisations, reflecting growing confidence in grassroots football as a tool for youth development. The sponsors include First Bank Plc, Nestlé Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Custodian Investment Plc.
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Organisers have also announced prizes for the winners, first runners-up and second runners-up, while individual awards will be presented to outstanding players.
The closing ceremony is expected to attract former Nigerian internationals, sports administrators, corporate leaders and football lovers.
Among the confirmed guests are the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of JOF Nigeria Limited, Olusegun Olugboyegun, and his wife, Bola Olugboyegun.
