Jide-Ojo Olusola, a member of the Organising Committee, emphasized the spirit of the Lab Memorial Football Carnival.
“It’s not about the money. It is not a do or die. It is about fun. We call it carnival and that is why participating in the competition alone, you have something to go with. So don’t come to the competition with the mindset of I must win it. There is no purpose of winning something with war or with fight, and that is not what we are. We are not tolerating that,” Olusola said.
The Lab Memorial Football Carnival is all set for its third edition, with 16 teams slated to participate in the tournament. Spanning over three days, the event is aimed at fostering grassroots football development and offering local talents a platform to shine and potentially join professional clubs.
His words reflect the tournament’s focus on sportsmanship, enjoyment, and positive engagement, reinforcing its role as a platform for youth development. Olusola’s comments serve as a reminder that the true value of the tournament lies not in the prizes to be won, but in the experience of participating, the skills developed, and the friendships formed. His emphasis on fun and sportsmanship over winning at all costs is a refreshing perspective in today’s competitive sports landscape.
The football carnival, which started three years ago, was instituted in honour of the late Layiwola Ayinde Balogun, an advocate for youth and sports development who encouraged and empowered many people in the Iwaya community. The tournament provides an opportunity for scouted players to join professional clubs, thereby supporting local talents. With the introduction of the athletics program to this year’s event, the Lab Memorial Football Carnival is not just a football tournament but a comprehensive sports event that caters to the diverse talents of the youth in the community. As the tournament continues to grow, it is expected to discover more talents and produce more stars who will represent the nation in various sports
