Fortune FC and Labro Girls, at the weekend in Lagos, won the men’s and women’s categories of the 10th Taiwo Afolabi U-17 Cup.

While Fortune FC of Oshodi delivered a commanding display to defeat FC Dynamos of Iwaya 2-0 in the Boys final, Labro Girls from Ipaja triumphed 5-4 in a penalty shootout against Starlet Girls, Idimu, after their game ended goalless in 90 minutes.

The finals, which were part of activities to mark Taiwo Afolabi’s 64th birthday, took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Both sides went home with N400, 000 cash prizes for their victories, while the runners-up in both categories received N300,000.

The third-place matches had been decided earlier, with Infinity FC defeating Apex FC 3-2 and Fela Queen seeing off Puma Queen 1-0 in the girls’ bronze match.

Sponsored by SIFAX Group, the tournament featured 56 clubs, 32 men’s and 24 women’s sides drawn from across Lagos State.

Preliminary matches were played at the Ojo Oniyun Sports Centre in Ebute Metta and the Anthony Mini Stadium in Gbagada.

Speaking at the final, Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, said the decade-long investment in youth football was rooted in a genuine belief in the transformative power of the sport.

“I decided to sponsor this tournament for the past 10 years because we use it to celebrate my birthday every year, but more importantly, we need to motivate and encourage these players because they are our future.

“What unites the world is football. There is no doubt about that. People like the legends Daniel Amokachi, Austin Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, and Waidi Akanni — they travelled out of this country and made us proud. I am doing this to support and complement what the federal government is doing,” he stated.