42 grassroots teams battle for glory in Cohesion Football Tournament Season 5!

L-R: Chuma Nnoli, Deputy Head, Sports, Nigeria info; Etim Esin, Retired Nigerian International Footballer; Damilare Obagbemi, Convener, Cohesion Football Tournament and Tolulope Adefidipe, Secretary, Lagos State Divisional Football Association at the official draws and media announcement of the season 5 tournament in Surulere Lagos on 10th of November, 2023<br />

The draw for the 5th edition of the Cohesion Football Tournament, an annual football competition that engages at-risk children across different local government areas in Lagos and Ogun State, will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Filmhouse Cinemas, Surulere, Lagos.

This year’s tournament will feature 32 under-13 male teams and, for the very first time, 10 female teams.

The 2-day competition will be held at the Union Bank Stable in Surulere on Tuesday, December 19th, and Wednesday, December 20th, 2023.

The football tournament is aimed at developing underserved pre-teens between the ages of 9-13 with the core values, knowledge, and skills needed to realise their full potential as leaders of the next generation.

It is designed to productively engage these children and steer them away from crime, substance abuse, and other social vices.

While speaking at the live draw, Damilare Obagbemi, convener of the tournament, expressed his excitement about the 5th edition.

“We are delighted to witness the growth of this competition from its inception in 2019 with 12 teams to 42 teams of male and female sides this year,” Obagbemi said.

“We are looking forward to seeing these athletes showcase their talents and skills on the field, as well as learn valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

“Our aim has always been to create a platform for these children to