- Epe United FC defeated Net Breaker FC on penalties after a 1–1 draw to win the 3rd edition of the BOM Tournament.
- Winners received ₦2 million in total prize money, while other teams and outstanding players were also rewarded.
- Stakeholders praised the tournament for promoting youth engagement and grassroots football development in Epe Division.
BOM once again lived up to its growing reputation as a symbol of youth empowerment and grassroots football development as football lovers, community leaders, and dignitaries stormed the Epe Grammar School Mini Stadium for the grand finale of the 3rd edition of the BOM Annual Football Tournament.
The atmosphere was electric, colourful, and filled with anticipation as the competition that kept hundreds of youths positively engaged for months reached its dramatic conclusion.
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Eko Hot Blog reports that the highly anticipated final clash between Epe United FC and Net Breaker FC delivered everything football fans hoped for. Both teams displayed skill, resilience, and determination, battling for over 90 minutes in a tense encounter that ended 1–1 at full time.
With neither side willing to give in, the match was decided by a penalty shootout, where Epe United FC held their nerve to emerge champions of the prestigious tournament.
Epe United, who had earlier fought back to equalise after conceding in the first half, claimed the top prize and went home with a golden trophy and ₦1.5 million. Net Breaker FC, finishing second, received ₦1 million, while Young Star FC, Epe, clinched third place and earned ₦500,000.
In a show of royal support, the Paramount Ruler and Aladeshonyin of Odo Noforija Kingdom, HRM Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, added an extra ₦500,000 to Epe United’s prize money, bringing their total reward to ₦2 million.
Other royal fathers present included HRM Oba Musiliu Abiola Oliwo of Odo-Egiri Kingdom, HRM Oba Adeshina Adebowale of Odomola Kingdom, and HRM Oba Abdulrasaq Akanni of Igboye Kingdom, all of whom joined in decorating players with medals, adding dignity and prestige to the occasion.
Stakeholders in football development across Epe Division praised the impact of the BOM Tournament on youth engagement and sports growth. Chairman of the Epe Divisional Football Association (EDFA), Mr. Felix Olalekan Adekoya, described the competition as transformative, saying, “BOM Tournament has transformed football in Epe Division.
It is one competition you will be kitted up to play and you will also be paid to play. Since it began, every man of the match has received ₦15,000, and with about 32 matches played, you can imagine the level of investment by the sponsor.”
Engr. Odeyemi Wariz, popularly known as Omituntun, also applauded the sponsor, noting, “This is the third edition of the tournament, and it has been very impactful on our youths. I want our youths to remain responsible, peaceful, and hopeful of a better future.”
Prince Adeyemi Ogunlari, sponsor of the Ogunlari 7-Aside Ileya Football Competition, called on more support for grassroots football, stating, “This tournament has played a significant role in football development in Epe Division.
I want government, private organisations, and well-meaning individuals to sponsor football so our youths can play at state, national, and international levels.”
Echoing similar sentiments, the leader of the Epe Football Coaches Council, Mr. Worrey Charles, said, “This BOM competition is a great one.
Through it, many new teams are emerging. I appeal to the youths to make good use of this opportunity to develop themselves and showcase their skills.”
The sponsor of the tournament, Tasholo Olamilekan, popularly known as BOM, an Abuja-based farmer and football enthusiast, described the competition as a labour of love. “Football gave me life.
It is a game of love that puts smiles on our faces and takes away sorrow. That is why I invest in it. I believe football can solve many of our problems, and the youths should keep hope alive,” he said.
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Individual excellence was also rewarded, as Muyiwa Ojeleye emerged Best Goalkeeper, Odu Adegbenro of Net Breaker FC won Best Player, and Coach Henry Ediare was named Best Coach, each receiving ₦50,000.
The Highest Goal-Scorer went home with ₦50,000 and a Royal Chair, specially presented by OlaOdus Furniture.
The event ended on a celebratory note with a celebrity novelty match, after which participants were decorated with medals, bringing the memorable football fiesta to a colourful close and reaffirming the BOM Tournament’s place as a cornerstone of youth development and football culture in Epe Division.
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