The sixth edition of the GOY 5-Aside Football Tournament came to a dramatic climax on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Recreational Centre, Ijeh Road, Ikoyi, with Ijeh FC emerging champions following a hard-fought final.
Organised by the congressman representing Eti-Osa Constituency II, Mr. Gbolahan Yishawu, the annual grassroots event attracted male and female teams from across the community and once again emphasised the growing relevance of sports in youth development.
In the final match, Ijeh FC defeated Dodan Barracks FC 2–1 to capture the trophy and claim the ₦1 million first prize, while Dodan Barracks FC settled for ₦750,000 as runners-up. Giwa Barracks Youth finished third and got ₦500,000.
Earlier, the third-place playoff saw Giwa Barracks edge Ogogoro FC 3–1 on penalties, while the novelty female match saw Caxton Martins FC vs Aminat Babes FC, delighting spectators with a lively effort.
Ads by
Aminat Babes FC won the women’s division with ₦500,000, while Caxton Martins FC came in second with ₦300,000. Yishawu further declared that each participating squad will get ₦200,000 in support.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yishawu praised sports as a tremendous tool for social, economic and mental growth, particularly for young people. He pointed out that organised tournaments offer discipline, structure, and a mechanism to find talent.
“Sports can become a successful career, sharpen the mind, and improve focus.” Beyond the players, it creates an environment where coaches, referees, vendors and organisers all gain. This is why we will continue to give forums like this for our youths,” he said.
He urged community leaders and parents to actively support youth engagement in sports, highlighting that attitudes had moved from rejecting sports to appreciating its worth in personal and professional progress.
The Executive Chairman of Iru/Victoria Island LCDA, Mrs. Aminat Oluwakemi Alabi, welcomed the effort, calling it as “a very good programme” with enduring advantages for the community. She urged young females to join sports, emphasising that it is now a lucrative and healthy professional path.
“Sports today offer enormous opportunities, especially for girls. Beyond health benefits, there are real professional prospects,” she said, adding that the council would continue to support and expand youth sports programmes.
Reacting after the final, Usman Eriojor, a player of Ijeh FC, expressed excitement at the triumph and complimented the organisers for creating a platform for new talents.
“I’m very happy and excited. This tournament motivated me a lot. My role model is Sergio Ramos, and competitions like this push me to work harder and improve,” he said, adding that sports have the power to unite communities.
A total of 22 teams representing different communities in Eti-Osa Constituency II competed in the tournament.
With its blend of competitiveness, community engagement and talent development, the GOY 5-Aside Football Tournament once again confirmed its reputation as a vital fixture in Eti-Osa’s grassroots sports calendar.
