Cohesion Football Tournament 2025 Crowns New Champions, Celebrates Grassroots Talent in Lagos

The seventh edition of the Cohesion Football Tournament concluded with new champions emerging across various categories, following two days of intense grassroots football action held on Wednesday, December 17, and Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Union Bank Stable in Surulere, Lagos.

In the Under-15 male final, Right to Smile FA demonstrated resilience and skill under pressure, narrowly defeating Adhoc FA 2–1 in a fiercely fought match to claim the title. The Under-13 male category also delivered excitement as O&A Sports Academy edged out Primhous FA with a 1–0 victory, showcasing disciplined defense and precise finishing. In the female division, Wazbak Queens continued their winning streak, defeating Unification Ladies 1–0 to defend their crown and make history as the first female team to win back-to-back titles at the Cohesion Football Tournament.

As part of their victory in the Under-15 male category, Right to Smile FA received a ₦500,000 cash prize from headline sponsor Viva, with runners-up Adhoc FA earning ₦250,000. The winners of the Under-13 male category, O&A Sports Academy, received a ₦100,000 grant. In the female category, Wazbak Queens also took home ₦500,000, while Unification Ladies received ₦250,000. Individual awards recognized outstanding talent, with Adeniran Abibat of Wazbak Queens named Female Most Valuable Player (MVP), Adebayo Oduroye of Right to Smile FA crowned MVP for the Under-15 category, and Adesanya Emmanuel of Primhous FA awarded the Under-13 MVP.

During the closing ceremony, tournament Convener Damilare Obagbemi reflected on the quality of play and the broader significance of the event. “Watching these young players leave everything on the pitch, playing with confidence, discipline, and heart is incredibly fulfilling,” he remarked. “While we celebrate our champions today, every child who took part is a winner. They have grown in character, sharpened their skills, and taken another important step in their football and life journey.”

The 7th edition brought together 48 teams from various local government areas across Lagos and Ogun States, including 30 Under-15 male teams, 10 Under-13 male teams, and eight female teams. Over the two days of matches, the tournament showcased thrilling games, remarkable performances, and a spirit of sportsmanship, reaffirming its position as a premier grassroots football platform.

Adding to the event’s vibrancy were appearances by notable personalities such as child comedy star Emmanuella Samuel, content creator Muhammed Opeyemi aka Gilmore, Dr. Egemba Chinonso Fidelis aka Aproko Doctor, Tomike Adeoye (Olori Ebi), and lifestyle influencer Nancy Ume, who cheered and motivated the young athletes.

“Being here with other teenagers feels really special because we’re all chasing our dreams in different ways. Seeing how hard they play reminds me that if you believe in yourself and keep working, amazing things can happen. Cohesion Football Tournament is giving young people like us a real chance, and I applaud the organisers of this grassroots engagement for the community,” Emmanuella shared during her visit.

Since its debut in December 2019 with just 12 teams from Mushin and Surulere, the tournament has grown significantly. The inclusion of female teams in the fifth edition and the expansion to 44 teams in the sixth edition paved the way for greater inclusivity and development—trends that continued into this year’s successful seventh installment.

The event was supported by a range of partners and sponsors, including VIVA Plus Detergent, Firewood Jollof Rice, UAC Foods, DiosDelite, Beloxxi Biscuit, Ziba Beach Resort, and the Harrison Obiefule Foundation—all committed to sustaining the tournament’s growth and impact.

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