By Vivian Ahanmisi
The Lagos State Street Soccer Stars Oshodi 2026 on Saturday came to an end with Sheu Close defeating its rival, Amusa Street, with 2-0 to emerge as the champion of the edition.
Sheu Close produced a strong performance in the final to secure the title, while Amusa Street settled for the runners-up position.
In the third-place match, Oremeji Street defeated Salawu Street 6-1 to claim the bronze position in the grassroots competition.
Ezekiel Odega was named Man of the Match after helping Oremeji Street secure the convincing victory with an impressive individual performance.
Odega demonstrated determination, good ball control and strong teamwork throughout the encounter, contributing significantly to his team’s emphatic victory.
“I feel good. All thanks to God for making this happen,” Odega said after receiving the individual award.
He said his expectation had been to reach the final, expressing disappointment that his team failed to achieve the target.
“My expectation was to be in the final, but I am not happy we did not get there,” he said.
Odega, however, said the team remained determined despite the setback, describing the third-place encounter as a tough match.
The tournament, with the theme, ‘Oshodi Hidden Talents’, featured 64 teams and 640 players drawn from communities across Lagos State.
The competition began on Aug. 2 and ended on Saturday, providing young players opportunities for talent discovery and development.
It was organised in partnership with FirstBank through its First@Sports initiative, promoting youth development, healthy living and community engagement.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Adebanji Atewogboye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports Development, said the tournament achieved its purpose.
Atewogboye said the competition provided young people with productive activities during their holiday while helping them improve their football skills.
He added that the tournament created an avenue for participants to display their abilities and connect with potential opportunities.
The SSA said engaging young people through sports could reduce their exposure to crime, drug use and other harmful activities.
He also disclosed that football scouts had attended the tournament, creating opportunities for some players to attract academies and professional clubs.
“We are pleased with the talents we have discovered through this competition and believe some of these players can go far,” he said.
Atewogboye said the tournament had received encouraging responses, with more communities expressing interest in similar grassroots competitions.
“We want to see more young people discover their talents, stay focused and use sports as a pathway to a better future,” he said.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, FirstBank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to grassroots sports development.
Ijabiyi said the initiative provided young footballers with a platform to develop their talents and pursue their dreams.
“Grassroots football is where talent starts, discipline is built and dreams take shape,” he said.
He said FirstBank, which had supported people and communities for 132 years, would continue investing in initiatives that develop young talents.
“Our sponsorship is anchored on First@Sports, through which we support the entire sports ecosystem,” Ijabiyi said.
He added that the competition was helping to spotlight Lagos talents and connect them with opportunities to progress in their careers.
Ijabiyi said FirstBank would continue supporting initiatives that contribute to sports development and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
NAN reports that the tournament is powered by Atewogboye, popularly known as SKIBANJ, with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Chief Host.
A total of N3.5 million was available as prize money, with N1 million awarded to the champions and N750,000 to the runners-up.
The third-placed team received N500,000, while winners of individual awards, including Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player, received N100,000 each.
Other awards included Young Player, Goal of the Tournament, Best Street Team, Fair Play Team and Community Spirit, each attracting N100,000.
The organisers also rewarded each match’s outstanding player with N10,000 and recognition to motivate participants and promote excellence. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo