Organisers of the annual Taiwo Afolabi U-17 football tourney say there is no room for age cheat in the tournament.
 Plans have been put in place for the 10th edition, which kicks-off this Saturday, February 14, 2024 at Ojo-Oniyun Sports Complex, Ebute Metta, Lagos.
 Organisers of the tournament, Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association alongside sponsor, Dr Taiwo Afolabi have assured that they have mechanism to dictate age cheat.
 “This is the 10th edition, and from the beginning, we have a way of detecting age cheat,” Assistant Secretary, Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association, Afuka Abu, said at a press briefing held at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja.
 He added: “We move from school to school to verify the true age of the players. We even to their parents when we have doubt.”
 Representative of the sponsor, Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations, SIFAX Group, Oliver Omajuwa, stated that all hands are on deck to ensure the 10th edition ends with standing ovation.
 Omajuwa, an ex-Flying Eagles and Julius Berger FC player, further stated that plans are in the offing for all participating teams which consists of 24 female and 32 male to enjoy a smooth tournament.
 The tourney will end on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan, Lagos, and Omajuwa said the competition will forever stands as one of company’s Cooperate Social Responsibility, just as he declared that ex-international, foreign scouts and soccer administrator will be invited to cheer and motivate the players.

 “ On behalf of the management of SIFAX Group, I am pleased to to say that the 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Football Tournament is a milestone, which reflects a decade of commitment, partnership and belief in the power of grassroots sports to transform lives.’
 “When we decided to sponsor this tournament ten years ago, our motivation was simple and deeply rooted. We believed that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Across our communities, particularly at the grassroots level, there are young people with exceptional football abilities but limited access to platforms that can help them grow.
As an organisation that has grown from humble beginnings, SIFAX Group understands the value of opportunity, mentorship and long term investment in people. This tournament was conceived not merely as a competition, but as a platform for discovery, development and hope.’
“From first edition till now, the tourney has recorded remarkable progress. Participation has increased, the quality of play has improved and the overall organisation of the competition has become more structured and professional.
Beyond the numbers, the real impact lies in the success stories. Several players who once featured in this tournament have progressed to higher levels of football, secured educational opportunities and built meaningful careers. These outcomes reinforce our decision to sustain this sponsorship over the years.”
 “Our expectations for this year’s edition are high. We anticipate a more competitive tournament, wider media coverage and stronger community engagement. We are particularly focused on identifying outstanding talents who can be guided, groomed and nurtured into future football stars,” he stated.
Winners in both male and female categories will go home with huge sum of money, according to the organisers.