Ghetto Tigers, Unification Ladies Crowned Champions Of SJ OdiOlowo Chairman’s Cup Finals
By Saheed Afolabi
The finals of the SJ OdiOlowo Chairman’s Cup produced high drama, heavy scores and champions across five categories on a memorable day of grassroots football at the Jide Sanwo-Olu Arena, Ilupeju, OdiOlowo Ojuwoye LCDA.
Over 300 goals were scored in the sixth edition of the SJ OdiOlowo Chairman’s Cup which the final was witnessed by a mammoth crowd.
Chairman of OdiOlowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Dr Seyi Jakande was extremely delighted with the success of the SJ OdiOlowo Chairman’s Cup which has further provided a platform to unleash grassroots exceptional talents to international football community.
Jakande believes the impacts of the competition goes beyond the community fanfare as players have been selected to play in national team while some gain international prominence through the Gothia Cup in Sweden and Dana Cup in Denmark.
In the U13 final, HB Utility edged Mighty Warriors 5-4 in a goal-fest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The narrow victory sealed the title for HB Utility in one of the most entertaining encounters of the day.
The U8 final proved equally tense. Better Tomorrow and FC Phoenix played out a 2-2 draw in regulation time before Better Tomorrow prevailed 6-5 overall to claim the championship in a match decided by composure under pressure.
Hakade 2020 delivered the most one-sided performance of the finals, thrashing Ghetto Tigers 4-0 in the U15 category. The emphatic scoreline revealed Hakade 2020’s dominance and left Ghetto Tigers with little room for recovery.
Ghetto Tigers bounced back in the U19 final, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Unification FA. The solitary goal proved enough to lift the trophy and complete a mixed day for the club that also featured in other age-group and female finals.
In the Female Category, Unification Ladies produced a commanding display, defeating Ghetto Tigers Ladies 4-0 to claim the women’s title in convincing fashion.
The results capped another successful edition of the SJ OdiOlowo Chairman’s Cup, a tournament that continues to serve as a major platform for talent discovery, youth engagement and community football in Lagos. With multiple categories contested in the competitive finals across the board, the competition once again highlighted the depth of grassroots talent in Lagos.
