Scouts to Arrive as Tola Legacy Football Tournament Reaches Knockout Stage

By Kanu Samuel

Eight teams have secured places in the quarter-finals of the maiden Tola Legacy Foundation Football (TLFF) Competition as the grassroots tournament enters its decisive knockout phase in Akure, Ondo State.

The competition, which kicked off two weeks ago at the Ondo State Sports Complex, attracted 16 teams from across the state capital and its surrounding communities.

Following the completion of the group stage, Velocity FC, Young Kings FC, Ipole City FC, Optimum FC, FERMA FC, Ebile FC, Ijapo Ages Stars and Oba-Ile FC qualified for the quarter-finals, which begin on Monday at the same venue.

Velocity FC topped Group A with five points, while Young Kings FC finished second with four points. In Group B, Ipole City FC emerged leaders with seven points, with Optimum FC claiming second place on four points.

FERMA FC finished top of Group C with seven points, while Ebile FC advanced as runners-up with six points.

In Group D, Ijapo Ages Stars secured first place with seven points and an impressive defensive record that saw them progress without conceding a goal. Oba-Ile FC followed in second place with six points.

Speaking with journalists, the sponsor of the competition, Barrister Olutola Aribigbola, said the initiative was designed to contribute to the development of football in Ondo State and provide a platform for young people to engage positively.

He noted that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of developing sports and creating opportunities for youth engagement.

“We see it as our social responsibility to bring young people together and ensure they stay away from social vices. Our non-governmental organisation stands for civic rights, social justice and human rights, which is why we are creating a platform where youths can come together and contribute positively to society,” he said.

Aribigbola described football as a powerful unifying force and an effective tool for youth development.

“More than 600 youths across Akure and its environs have been engaged in what they love doing throughout this competition.

You do not see these young men involved in any form of illegality during this period. That is one of the reasons we organised this tournament to make our own contribution to the development of the state,” he added.

The sponsor also revealed that both local and foreign scouts would attend the knockout stages to identify talented players with the potential to progress to higher levels of the game.

“Both foreign and local scouts will be on the ground during the knockout stage, and there will be significant opportunities for any outstanding players who are identified,” he said.

Aribigbola further assured participating teams that improvements would be made to the organisation of matches during the knockout rounds, including an increase in match duration.

“Our initial plan was to play 40 minutes per half, but because of other programmes scheduled at the stadium, we had no option but to reduce the duration.

We are, however, hoping to increase the match duration during the knockout stage,” he explained.

He expressed satisfaction with the success of the competition so far and optimism ahead of the latter stages.

“This is our maiden edition and God has been good to us.

We had a successful group stage and we are looking forward to an even better knockout stage in all areas of the competition,” Aribigbola said.