Football Is A Powerful Tool To Engage Our Young People - FATODU

The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Mr. Lekan Fatodu, has emphasized that football serves as a powerful tool for engaging young people and channeling their energy towards positive development. Speaking at the kickoff of the 4th edition of the Afinni Unity Cup 2025, tagged “The Price before the Prize,” held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Fatodu commended the initiative for promoting community growth and youth empowerment through sports.

Fatodu highlighted that sports play a crucial role in reshaping the mindset of the youth and steering them away from societal vices. He described the tournament as a community-driven effort that fosters peace, discipline, and unity, noting that sports have evolved beyond recreation to become a “global currency” capable of creating opportunities and building character among young people.

Honourable Sulaimon Olarenwaju Afinni, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and organiser of the event, explained that the competition began as a small seven-a-side football game within Lagos Island but has now expanded into an 11-a-side tournament. He said the Afinni Unity Cup provides a vital platform for discovering local talents, connecting them with international scouts, and offering young athletes opportunities to pursue professional sports careers.

This year’s edition features 16 teams representing various communities across Lagos Island, with the aim of fostering grassroots development and social cohesion. In the tournament’s opening match, defending champions Ricca/Odunfa were eliminated after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Pike/Forsythe. Other results saw Ita Faji/Evans defeat Tinubu/Luther 3-0, Ebute Elefun/Sura beat Anikantamo/Swamp 2-0, and Massey/Branco record a 4-0 victory over Phase III & IV.

The competition continues on Tuesday with the round of 16 fixtures as teams battle for a place in the finals. The 2025 Afinni Unity Cup will climax with a grand finale scheduled for Sunday, November 9, celebrating sportsmanship, community spirit, and the growing impact of youth-focused initiatives in Lagos State.