2026 SJ Odi-Olowo Chairman’s Cup Ends in Style, Uncovers New Talents, National Team Prospects
The 2026 SJ Odi-Olowo Chairman’s Cup has ended in grand style, celebrating grassroots football, emerging talents and the growing pathway from community football to professional and national team opportunities.
The sixth edition of the youth football tournament climaxed at the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Sports Arena, within the premises of Ilupeju Secondary School, Lagos, with exciting finals across five age and gender categories.
Organised and sponsored by the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, the tournament attracted a financial commitment of about ₦5.5 million, providing young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their talents, gain competitive experience and come under the watch of coaches, scouts and national team selectors.
The grand finale attracted football coaches, enthusiasts, supporters and journalists, with Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA Chairman, Dr Seyi Jakande, and members of his cabinet present to witness the celebration of grassroots football.
In the U13 final, HB Utility defeated Mighty Warriors 5-4 in a thrilling encounter.
The U8 final was equally dramatic, with Better Tomorrow defeating FC Phoenix 6-5 on penalties after both teams played out a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Hakade 2020 produced one of the most convincing performances of the finals, defeating Ghetto Tigers 4-0 to win the U15 title.
Ghetto Tigers, however, bounced back in the U19 category, edging Unification FA 1-0 to claim the championship.
In the female category, Unification Ladies emerged champions following a convincing 4-0 victory over Ghetto Tigers Ladies.
Jakande: Chairman’s Cup Producing National Team Prospects
For Chairman Seyi Jakande, the successful completion of the sixth edition represents another important milestone in the council’s commitment to grassroots sports development and talent discovery.
Speaking with Sportsbeat.ng, Jakande expressed satisfaction with the sustainability of the tournament and its growing impact on young footballers.
«“The first is that we are thankful to God that we inherited the massive sports programme that covers the whole of Lagos State and the extension of Nigeria, and we have been able to sustain it.”»
He added:
«“In the sixth edition, we started from where the last administration completed the fifth, and through the glory of God, we are witnessing the final today.”»
Jakande said the emergence of players from previous editions into national and international football environments was evidence that the competition was achieving its major objective.
«“I believe that the atmosphere and the manner in which we have consistently conducted our competitions and activities is just to produce the best,” he said.»
«“I am very delighted and happy at the advancement of those key players from this competition, but it is not a surprise to me.”»
The chairman noted that several players who featured in previous editions have progressed to represent Nigeria or participate in international competitions.
He specifically highlighted the absence of some players from the final because of national team commitments, including Esther Stephen of Unification FC, Kaosara Akanji of Dream Stars and Grace Akingboye of Ghetto Tigers, who are involved with the Nigeria U17 Women’s National Team.
«“It means that we are doing something right in this competition,” Jakande said.»
«“The selectors in the national team are still calling those players to come and represent the country. And of course, they have a bigger assignment. Who are we to complain?”
More Than Just a Football Tournament
Event Coordinator Azeez Mustapha described the Chairman’s Cup as more than a competition centred on winners and losers.
According to him, the tournament has evolved into a development platform where young footballers can gain exposure, improve their competitive experience and take important steps towards higher levels of the game.
Mustapha also pointed to players who have subsequently received invitations to national team camps, describing such progress as one of the biggest rewards of the grassroots initiative.
Jakande Targets Bigger Seventh Edition
With the sixth edition now concluded, attention has shifted towards the seventh edition of the Chairman’s Cup.
Jakande promised further improvements, stressing that the organisers have consistently reviewed previous editions to strengthen the tournament.
«“If we look at all of the six seasons, we will have seen that it is always one improvement, an addition and correction of the little things that we have noticed,” he said.»
«“We can only expect that the seventh edition will witness more improvement and, of course, some better competing facilities.”»
The conclusion of the sixth SJ Odi-Olowo Chairman’s Cup has once again underlined the importance of grassroots football as a vehicle for talent discovery, player development and community engagement.
With trophies lifted, young players celebrated and financial rewards distributed, the tournament has provided another platform for the next generation of footballers to take their first major steps.
For many of the youngsters who participated, however, the final whistle may not mark the end of their journey.
Instead, it could be the beginning of a pathway towards professional football, national team selection and international opportunities.
