14/12/2025
FUTURESTARS99 TRIUMPH IN THRILLING OBASA GAMES 2025 FINALE, IGNITING A NEW ERA OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN LAGOS
Agege, Lagos | Saturday. 14th December, 2025
The 2025 edition of the Obasa Games concluded in spectacular fashion, delivering a breathtaking finale that not only celebrated the spirit of grassroots football but also underscored the transformative power of youth engagement and visionary leadership. The grand event, held at the Anwarul-Islam Model College Sports Ground in Agege, drew an enthusiastic crowd of sports enthusiasts, political dignitaries, community leaders, and supporters from across Lagos State.
From the early hours of the day, the atmosphere around the venue was electric. The final showdown between two of Lagos’ most formidable youth football academies, FutureStars99 of Igando and Goalgetter FA from Surulere, was the centerpiece of a broader celebration of athleticism, community development, and civic participation. The event was officially flagged off by Hon. Wale Ahmed, the distinguished Member of the House of Representatives representing Agege Federal Constituency. He was joined by a host of prominent figures from Orile-Agege and Agege, who collectively signaled the commencement of the much-anticipated finale with a ceremonial kickoff.
As the whistle blew, the two teams, FutureStars99 in their signature green kits and Goalgetter FA donning blue, launched into a high-octane contest that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The match was a masterclass in youth football, showcasing exceptional tactical awareness, technical finesse, and relentless determination from both sides.
While the football action unfolded on the pitch, the event also served as a platform to honor excellence in other sporting disciplines. Awards were presented to outstanding athletes in categories such as table tennis and boxing. Hon. Wale Ahmed and Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde took center stage to recognize female athletes who had excelled in the table tennis competition. Their efforts were further supported by the presence of Hon. Aruna Jekinje and Hon. Omotunde Afolabi (Aphoo), who joined the audience in celebrating the tournament’s climactic moments.
As the first half of the match concluded in a tense goalless draw, the energy in the stadium remained high. Hon. Jubreel Abdul Kareem continued the award presentations, ensuring that athletes from various disciplines were duly acknowledged. The second half reignited the fervor as Goalgetter FA struck first, sending their supporters into a frenzy. However, FutureStars99 responded with resilience, leveling the score with a well-executed equalizer that reignited their hopes of clinching the title.
With a lucrative prize pool at stake, N3 million for the champions, N2 million for the runners-up, and N1 million for the third-place team, the intensity of the match escalated. Hon. Akinola Abiodun Idowu (popularly known as Dodo) presented medals to boxing champions as the football match reached its climax.
As the final whistle blew with the scoreboard locked at 1–1, the match proceeded to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. In a display of composure and precision, FutureStars99 edged out Goalgetter FA with a 6–5 victory in penalties, earning the coveted title of Obasa Games 2025 Football Champions.
The post-match celebrations were marked by powerful speeches and heartfelt commendations. Hon. Jubreel Abdul Kareem lauded the unwavering commitment of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, for his visionary leadership and dedication to youth development. The arrival of the Speaker was met with chants of solidarity and admiration from the crowd.
Hon. Wale Ahmed echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the Speaker’s pivotal role in transforming Agege into a hub of grassroots empowerment. Other notable figures, including:
* Hon. Sunday Johnson Babatunde
* Hon. Abdulazeez Ninalowo
* Hon. Akin Oshugboye
* Hon. Akinola Idowu (Dodo)
All praised the initiative and encouraged the youth to actively participate in civic duties, particularly voter registration.
Hon. AbdulGaniu Vinod Obasa (AVO), the visionary behind the Obasa Games, took the opportunity to highlight the far-reaching impact of the tournament. He proudly shared that several participants had already secured professional contracts with international clubs, a testament to the tournament’s role in talent discovery and career advancement.
When Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa addressed the gathering, he expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders, organizers, committee members, media partners, and political allies, whose collective efforts brought the event to life. He reaffirmed the Obasa Games as a strategic initiative designed to harness the potential of Lagos youth through structured sporting engagements. The Speaker also announced plans to expand the program’s reach and deepen its impact in the coming years.
In a grand finale befitting the occasion, Rt. Hon. Obasa led the presentation of trophies, medals, and cash prizes to the top-performing teams. In a surprise gesture of generosity, he announced an additional N2 million for the champions, N1 million for the second-place team, and N500,000 for the third-place finishers, further amplifying the rewards and recognition for the athletes’ hard work.
The 2025 Obasa Games concluded on a high note, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of participants and spectators alike. The event not only celebrated sporting excellence but also reinforced the importance of youth empowerment, community development, and inclusive leadership. With dignitaries from across Lagos and beyond in attendance, the tournament has been hailed as one of the most impactful grassroots sports initiatives in Nigeria’s recent history.
As the lights dimmed on the Agege pitch, the echoes of cheers, the glint of medals, and the promise of a brighter future for Lagos youth lingered in the air, signaling that the Obasa Games is more than a tournament; it is a movement.
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Akin-Dodo Media Team
Orile-Agege LCDA