The Union Bank Stable in Surulere, Lagos, was the epicentre of thrilling grassroots football action as the seventh edition of the Cohesion Football Tournament concluded on Thursday, December 18, 2025. After two pulsating days of competition, new champions were crowned across three categories, marking another successful chapter for the community-focused sporting event.
Champions Rise to the Occasion in Tense Finals
The tournament culminated in a series of fiercely contested finals that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. In the Under-15 male category, Right to Smile FA demonstrated remarkable grit, securing a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Adhoc FA to claim the championship. The Under-13 male final was a tactical battle, where O&A Sports Academy's disciplined defence and a single clinical finish earned them a narrow 1–0 win against Primhous FA.
The female category witnessed a historic achievement. Wazbak Queens defended their title successfully, defeating Unification Ladies 1–0. This victory cemented their legacy as the first female team to win the Cohesion Football Tournament back-to-back, showcasing their sustained dominance in the competition.
Rewards, Recognition, and Celebrity Support
The champions' efforts were met with significant financial rewards, courtesy of headline sponsor Viva. Right to Smile FA and Wazbak Queens each received a generous cash prize of ₦500,000 for their triumphs. The runners-up in these categories, Adhoc FA and Unification Ladies, were awarded ₦250,000 each. O&A Sports Academy, champions of the Under-13 male category, were presented with a ₦100,000 grant prize.
Individual excellence was also in the spotlight with the presentation of Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards:
- Adeniran Abibat of Wazbak Queens (Female MVP)
- Adebayo Oduroye of Right to Smile FA (Under-15 MVP)
- Adesanya Emmanuel of Primhous FA (Under-13 MVP)
The event was further brightened by special guest appearances from popular figures including child comedy star Emmanuella Samuel, content creator Muhammed Opeyemi (Gilmore), Aproko Doctor (Dr. Egemba Chinonso Fidelis), Tomike Adeoye (Olori Ebi), and influencer Nancy Ume. They cheered on the young athletes, offering motivation and connecting with the next generation of football talent.
A Growing Legacy of Grassroots Football Development
Reflecting on the tournament's success, Convener Damilare Obagbemi expressed immense pride. "Watching these young players leave everything on the pitch, playing with confidence, discipline, and heart is incredibly fulfilling," he stated. "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 7th edition featured an impressive 48 teams from Lagos and Ogun States, comprising 30 Under-15 male teams, 10 Under-13 male teams, and 8 female teams. This scale marks substantial growth from the tournament's humble beginnings in December 2019, which started with just 12 teams from Mushin and Surulere. The introduction of a female category in the 5th edition and the expansion to 44 teams in the 6th edition have solidified the tournament's role as a leading platform for inclusive grassroots football development in Nigeria.
