Heart-Pounding Finale: SGFC Clinches Title in Dramatic Shootout
For four electrifying days, the pitch became a battleground where passion, grit, and raw talent collided. Eight determined teams gave their all, but in the end, only one could lift the coveted trophy.
The road to glory wasn’t easy. Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Ikorodu City fought hard but fell just short, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ijebu United in the third-place match.
Then came the grand finale—a showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats. Tournament favorites 36 Lion locked horns with SGFC in a clash that embodied the true spirit of grassroots football. With every pass, every tackle, and every near-miss, anticipation soared. Yet, after 70 minutes of relentless action, neither side could break the deadlock.
It all came down to penalties. The air was thick with tension. One by one, players stepped up, the weight of their teams resting on their shoulders. When the dust settled, SGFC had edged out 36 Lions in a nerve-wracking 5-4 shootout victory—an unforgettable moment of triumph for the Ilorin-based Nigeria Nationwide League One side.
It was 36 Lions second final in the tournament and second loss. In the inaugural edition 2 years ago, it was against Smart City FC, and it was a penalty shootout loss, and in 2025, history repeated itself.
Chief Convener Hajji Gafar Liameed, visibly moved by the tournament’s success, praised not just the skill on display but the discipline and sportsmanship that defined the competition. As Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, he reaffirmed his commitment to elevating the tournament, ensuring it remains a platform where young talents shine.
“This championship embodies the values championed by our esteemed President Bola Tinubu—discipline, high moral standards, and an unwavering dedication to youth empowerment through football,” Liameed remarked.
With this year’s edition now etched into history, one thing is clear: grassroots football is alive and thriving, and the future of Nigerian football has never looked brighter.
