In a bid to honor the legacy of Layiwola Ayinde Balogun (LAB) and provide a platform for youth talent development, the Layiwola Ayinde Balogun (LAB) memorial Carnival football tournament is gearing up for its second edition.
Scheduled to take place on September 16th at the prestigious University of Lagos sport center, the competition promises to be a riveting display of soccer prowess.
The LAB Memorial Carnival, established in memory of the late Alhaji Layiwola Balogun, is not just about football; it embodies a mission to unearth and nurture the latent potential within the youth of Iwaya and its surrounding areas. With the noble intention of diverting young minds from negative influences like juvenile delinquencies and social misconduct, the tournament is seen as a beacon of hope and opportunity.
Project Coordinator Alhaji Rauf Balogun expressed his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the evolution and growth of the initiative. “Last year marked the inaugural edition of this program, dedicated to the memory of Alhaji Layiwola Balogun,” he remarked. “With four teams participating then, we are thrilled to have expanded to eight teams this year. Six teams hail from Iwaya, while the remaining squads have been invited from nearby areas. We have increased the prize money, with the first and second positions receiving substantial rewards. Additionally, we will recognize the best team, players, goalkeeper, and highest goal scorer.”
The tournament’s appeal extends beyond its local scope. Alhaji Rauf Balogun explained, “Our ultimate goal is to witness players from this competition rise to international football prominence. We are planning to live stream the matches, enabling agents and scouts from around the world to witness the raw talent that this community possesses.”
To bolster the event’s significance and reach, dignitaries, scouts, and FIFA-licensed agents are set to attend. The choice of the University of Lagos football field as the venue, as opposed to last year’s Abete field in Iwaya, underscores the tournament’s growing prestige. The superior facility promises to enhance player performance and attract comprehensive media coverage.
Excitement is building as the draw for the LAB Memorial Carnival tournament is scheduled to take place on September 9th at the residence of Alhaji Layiwola Balogun. This tradition, intended to pay homage to the tournament’s inspiration, adds a sense of continuity and reverence.
Alhaji Rauf Balogun underscored the ethos of the tournament, urging participating teams to uphold sportsmanship and unity. “While the competition is fierce on the field, we emphasize that it is not a do-or-die affair. Our goal is to showcase the immense talent while fostering values of peace, love, and respect that Alhaji Layiwola Balogun embodied.”
As the LAB Memorial Carnival football tournament prepares to unfold, anticipation is high. Beyond the adrenaline-fueled matches and skilled plays, the event resonates with the noble ambition of transforming young lives through the beautiful game. On September 16th, at the University of Lagos sport center, the legacy of Alhaji Layiwola Balogun will shine brightly through the determination and aspiration of the youth he continues to inspire.
