By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The sixth edition of the GOY 5-Aside Football Tournament came to a thrilling close on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Recreational Centre, Ijeh Road, Ikoyi, with Ijeh FC emerging champions after a hard-fought final.

Organised by the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency II, Mr. Gbolahan Yishawu, the annual grassroots tournament attracted male and female teams from across the community and once again underscored the growing role of sports in youth development.

In the final match, Ijeh FC defeated Dodan Barracks FC 2–1 to lift the trophy and claim the ₦1 million first prize, while Dodan Barracks FC settled for ₦750,000 as runners-up. Giwa Barracks Youth finished third and received ₦500,000.

Earlier, the third-place playoff saw Giwa Barracks edge Ogogoro FC 3–1 on penalties, while the novelty female match featured Caxton Martins FC against Aminat Babes FC, thrilling spectators with an energetic display.

In the women’s category, Aminat Babes FC emerged champions, carting home ₦500,000, while Caxton Martins FC finished second with ₦300,000. In addition, Yishawu announced that each participating team would receive ₦200,000 as support.

Speaking at the event, Yishawu described sports as a powerful tool for social, economic and mental development, particularly for young people. He noted that organised competitions provide structure, discipline and a pathway for talent discovery.

“Sports sharpen the mind, improve focus and can become a viable career. Beyond the players, it creates an ecosystem where coaches, referees, vendors and organisers all benefit. This is why we will continue to provide platforms like this for our youths,” he said.

He urged community leaders and parents to actively support youth participation in sports, stressing that attitudes have shifted from discouraging sports to recognising its value in personal and professional growth.

The Executive Chairman of Iru/Victoria Island LCDA, Mrs. Aminat Oluwakemi Alabi, praised the initiative, describing it as “a very good programme” with lasting benefits for the community. She encouraged young girls to embrace sports, noting that it is now a lucrative and healthy professional path.

“Sports today offer enormous opportunities, especially for girls. Beyond health benefits, there are real professional prospects,” she said, adding that the council would continue to support and expand youth sports programmes.

Reacting after the final, Usman Eriojor, a player with Ijeh FC, expressed joy over the victory and commended the organisers for creating a platform for young talents.

“I’m very happy and excited. This tournament motivated me a lot. My role model is Sergio Ramos, and competitions like this push me to work harder and improve,” he said, adding that sports have the power to unite communities.

A total of 22 teams representing different communities in Eti-Osa Constituency II participated in the tournament.

With its blend of competition, community engagement and talent development, the GOY 5-Aside Football Tournament once again reinforced its status as a key fixture in Eti-Osa’s grassroots sports calendar.