Kukushaw Football Club of Lagos State has won the 2023/24 Bet9ja Elephant Cup, a five-a-side grassroots soccer tournament.

The team defeated Omo Beta FC 4-0 in the final of the tournament held at the Ashade Ogba Palace Playing Ground, Agege community on Friday.

Kukushaw FC was rewarded with a cash prize of N500, 000 for winning the tourney while Omo Baba FC got N300,000 for coming second.

Twelve teams participated in the competition.

Speaking after the match, the Chairman Bet9ja Elephant Football Committee, Felix Ajanaku, thanked God for the success of the league.

Mr Ajanaku said that the competition had run for 26 years at the same venue and improved greatly since the first edition.

“I appreciate and thank all the teams that participated in the league from the beginning, for their sportsmanship and fair play attitude during the matches. The game went well and the players showed some level of maturity during the tournament. We also thank the supporters and the spectators for their peaceful conduct during and after the matches,” he said.

A former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Yinka Ogundimu, in his remarks said that the tournament has impacted the youth and Agege community.

According to him, many talented players have been picked from the grassroots football competition to play in higher leagues and in national teams.

“A former International, Sylvester Igboun, was once a grassroots player at this playing ground in Ashade Palace, Agege. We implore the youth to take advantage of this opportunity and focus on their God-given skills and talents for a better future.

A veteran actress, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, said that more youths would benefit from the yearly tournament if organisations and well-meaning individuals support the initiative.

Ms Ajayi-Lycett also urged the media to give more coverage to grassroots sporting activities to showcase and discover many hidden talents across different communities.

Speaking, Oladele Alabi, who emerged Best Goalkeeper of the tournament thanked God for the success of his team, Kukushaw FC.

“Though it is not easy, God saw us through. We thank our sponsors, supporters and organisers of the game for giving us the opportunity to showcase our talents,” Mr Alabi said.

(NAN)