The third edition of the Lab Memorial Football Carnival is set to kick off with 16 teams competing in the three-day tournament.
The event, which begins on April 11 at the University of Lagos Sports Complex, Akoka, is designed to enhance grassroots football development and support local talents.
This year, the organizers have introduced an athletics program to the event, providing a platform for upcoming players to display their football talent and for pupils and students from primary and secondary schools in Iwaya and its environs to showcase their athletic prowess.
Akeem Babatunde, a member of the Iwaya Football Association, highlighted the progression of the competition.
“As you can see development in the progression of the competition. From eight teams, we had progressed to 16 teams. Now probably by next year we’ll be 32 teams with the special grace of God. The sponsors had been very, very wonderful,” he said.
His remarks underscore the tournament’s growth and the potential for even more expansion in the coming years. Babatunde’s optimism reflects the positive impact of the tournament on local football development. He also expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their support, acknowledging that their contributions have played a significant role in the tournament’s success.
The football carnival, which started three years ago, was instituted in honour of the late Layiwola Ayinde Balogun, an advocate for youth and sports development who encouraged and empowered many people in the Iwaya community. The tournament provides an opportunity for scouted players to join professional clubs, thereby supporting local talents.
With the introduction of the athletics program to this year’s event, the Lab Memorial Football Carnival is not just a football tournament but a comprehensive sports event that caters to the diverse talents of the youth in the community. As the tournament continues to grow, it is expected to discover more talents and produce more stars who will represent the nation in various sports.
