A new chapter in grassroots sports development opened in Lagos as 32 youth teams gear up to battle for a total prize of ₦1.7 million in the maiden edition of the U-16 Bamofin Ladipo Johnson Football Tournament, kicking off this Saturday, July 5, at the Ojoniyun Sports Centre, Ebute Metta, Lagos Mainland.
At a draw conference held Thursday in Lagos, the tournament’s sponsor and initiator, Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, revealed that the competition aims to combine sporting excellence with social impact.
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The founder of the Johnson Initiative For Positive Impact, Bamofin emphasized that the project is more than football — it’s a strategic move to empower youth, discourage vices, and promote leadership values through sports.
“This is not just about football; it’s about catching them young. The tournament is designed to keep kids positively engaged during the holiday, helping them channel their energy into something productive,” said Bamofin, a Lagos-based lawyer and social development advocate.
The tournament carries significant incentives: the champion team will walk away with ₦750,000 and a giant trophy, the runners-up will get ₦500,000, while the third and fourth-placed teams will receive ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.
In a show of support from both the sports and entertainment worlds, Nollywood actress and politician, Honourable Ronnie Dikko-Kila, graced the draw and commended the initiative.
“This is a huge opportunity for these young boys. It’s a platform to not only showcase talent but to be scouted and nurtured for greater things,” she remarked, urging the teams to take the competition seriously.
The opening match will see Puma Football Academy of Oshodi lock horns with Starlets FC from Lagos Island in what is expected to be a thrilling curtain-raiser on July 5.
With the final set for Sunday, August 17, 2025, the Bamofin U-16 tournament promises six weeks of intense grassroots football, community bonding, and youth transformation.
Bamofin has also hinted at plans to institutionalize the tournament as an annual event, reaffirming his commitment to nurturing talent and contributing to the future of Lagos through football.
“This is just the beginning. We are here to discover the next stars, and with God and the support of like-minded sponsors, we’ll keep building on this foundation,” he concluded.
