Eko Boys emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Tosin Adarabioyo Youth Cup on Wednesday, edging 36 Lions 1-0 in a tense final held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Bold Sports reports.
The grassroots tournament, hosted in collaboration between the Lagos State Football Association and Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, featured four teams which included 36 Lions, Eko Boys, Mavlon FC, and Seamoriow FC.
36 Lions booked their place in the final by defeating Seamoriow FC in the opening game of the tournament on penalties following a goalless encounter, while Eko Boys also advanced through a penalty shootout after a stalemate against Mavlon FC.
The final proved to be a tightly contested affair, with Adarabioyo in attendance. Eko Boys broke the deadlock to score the tournament’s only goal in regulation time, sealing the title in front of a lively crowd despite 36 Lions’ efforts to level the scoreline.
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The match-winner, who ended the tournament as the top scorer, received a commemorative boot from Adarabioyo, while all participating players were gifted Chelsea jerseys by the 27-year-old defender.
Adarabioyo, making his first-ever visit to Nigeria, used the competition as an avenue to reconnect with his roots and engage with local talent.
Despite it being his debut trip to the country, the England-born defender embraced the atmosphere, beaming with smiles, acknowledging chants from fans, and clearly enjoying the homecoming experience.
Adarabioyo also revealed that the youth tournament will not be a one-time event. Plans are in place to make it an annual competition, with hopes of expanding it to create more platforms for young talents to shine.
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