The 4th Edition of the Ajara Humanitarian Foundation Under-17 Football Championship came to a memorable close on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with a colourful closing ceremony attended by respected dignitaries, sports leaders, and community stakeholders.
The event, held in an atmosphere of excitement and celebration, was headlined by the distinguished Asiwaju Olatunde Adekilekun Badmus, who served as Father of the Day and made a remarkable impact with his support.
In an exciting and high-intensity final match, Salvation Army Grammar School, Osogbo, emerged champions after defeating Alhaji Oloore FC Ifon by a lone goal. The decisive moment came in the 35th minute when Ajiboye Bennard, the tournament’s standout performer, fired home the only goal of the encounter. His brilliance earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award as well as the honour of being the Man of the Match.
The ceremony attracted eminent personalities, including: Mr. Jasper Adrianus, Director of Football Development, Swieqi United FC, Malta, who performed the ceremonial kickoff.
Dr. Olanrewaju Jimoh Jnr, the founder of Ajara Humanitarian Foundation, a major sponsor and strong pillar of support for the championship.
Prince Adeshina Araoye, COO, Ilaji Hotel & Resort, Ibadan.
Brigadier General Ademola Aderibigbe, former Director, Directorate of Army Physical Training.
Dr. Adebayo Jimoh, Chairman, Ajara Humanitarian Foundation.
A momentous highlight of the event was the generous ₦1,000,000 donation by Asiwaju Olatunde Badmus, the Asiwaju of Muslim Southwest, Edo, and Delta States. This gift was presented as additional prize money to the winning team, Salvation Army Grammar School, in recognition of their excellence and discipline throughout the tournament.
Award Winners of the 4th Edition
The championship celebrated exceptional performances with the following awards:
Highest Goalscorer: Mufutau Idris — Rex Versity Comprehensive College, Osogbo
Best Goalkeeper: Olawande Muhammad — Salvation Army Grammar School
Man of the Match (Final): Ariwoola Toheeb — Salvation Army Grammar School
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Ajiboye Bennard — Salvation Army Grammar School
Best Coach: Adebayo Ayobami
Best Behaved Team/School: CAC Grammar School, Osogbo
This year’s edition continued the vision of the Ajara Humanitarian Foundation to promote youth development, inspire discipline, and create opportunities for young talents across Osun State and beyond. The partnership with Ilaji Football Academy further strengthened the championship’s technical depth, while the support of public figures and sponsors reflected a broad commitment to nurturing future stars.
From the pulsating group stages to the fiercely contested semifinal rounds — where Salvation Army Grammar School and Alhaji Oloore FC Ifon earned their spots in the finale — the competition delivered unforgettable football moments.
