Grassroots football talent was on full display in Lagos, Nigeria, as Right to Smile FA, O&A Sports Academy, and Wazbak Queens emerged champions at the seventh edition of the Cohesion Football Tournament, which wrapped up on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
The two-day competition, held at the Union Bank Stable in Surulere, a major sporting hub in Lagos, brought together young footballers from across southwestern Nigeria and delivered a series of tightly fought matches that underscored the growing depth of grassroots talent in the country.
In the Under-15 male final, Right to Smile FA edged Adhoc FA 2–1 in a tense contest that tested both sides’ composure. The victory earned Right to Smile FA the tournament’s top Under-15 prize and confirmed their resilience under pressure. Adhoc FA finished as runners-up after a spirited performance.
The Under-13 male category proved equally competitive, with O&A Sports Academy clinching the title through a narrow 1–0 win over Primhous FA. A disciplined defensive structure and a decisive moment in attack proved enough to separate the two sides.
In the female category, Wazbak Queens continued their rise in Nigerian grassroots football, defeating Unification Ladies 1–0 to retain their title. The victory made Wazbak Queens the first female team to win the Cohesion Football Tournament in consecutive editions, marking a significant milestone for women’s football development at the youth level.
Prize money and individual honours highlighted the achievements on the pitch. Right to Smile FA received ₦500,000 for winning the Under-15 category, courtesy of headline sponsor Viva, while Adhoc FA earned ₦250,000 as runners-up. O&A Sports Academy were awarded a ₦100,000 grant for their Under-13 triumph. In the female category, Wazbak Queens took home ₦500,000, with Unification Ladies receiving ₦250,000.
Outstanding individual performances were also recognised. Adeniran Abibat of Wazbak Queens was named Female Most Valuable Player, Adebayo Oduroye of Right to Smile FA claimed the Under-15 MVP award, while Adesanya Emmanuel of Primhous FA was honoured as Under-13 MVP.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, tournament convener Damilare Obagbemi said the competition went beyond trophies and cash prizes, emphasising its developmental impact on young players.
“Watching these young players leave everything on the pitch, playing with confidence, discipline, and heart is incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “While we celebrate our champions today, every child who took part is a winner. They have grown in character, sharpened their skills, and taken another important step in their football and life journey.”
The seventh edition featured 48 teams drawn from local government areas across Lagos and neighbouring Ogun State, including 30 Under-15 male teams, 10 Under-13 male teams, and eight female teams. Over two days, the tournament delivered end-to-end football, competitive balance, and a strong sense of sportsmanship, reinforcing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading grassroots football platforms.
The event also attracted notable public figures who came to support and inspire the young athletes. Popular child comedian Emmanuella Samuel, content creator Muhammed Opeyemi, known as Gilmore, medical doctor and influencer Egemba Chinonso Fidelis, widely called Aproko Doctor, media personality Tomike Adeoye, known as Olori Ebi, and lifestyle influencer Nancy Ume were all in attendance.
“Being here with other teenagers feels really special because we’re all chasing our dreams in different ways. Seeing how hard they play reminds me that if you believe in yourself and keep working, amazing things can happen. Cohesion Football Tournament is giving young people like us a real chance, and I applaud the organisers of this grassroots engagement for the community,” Emmanuella said at the event.
Since its launch in December 2019 with just 12 teams from Mushin and Surulere areas of Lagos, the Cohesion Football Tournament has expanded steadily. The introduction of female teams in the fifth edition and the expansion to more than 40 teams in subsequent editions have strengthened its focus on inclusion and long-term development.
Organisers credited the tournament’s growth to sustained support from sponsors and partners, including VIVA Plus Detergent, Firewood Jollof Rice, UAC Foods, DiosDelite, Beloxxi Biscuit, Ziba Beach Resort, and the Harrison Obiefule Foundation, whose backing continues to drive the competition’s impact at community level.
