Lagos: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday joined football stars and entertainment celebrities for the Troost-Ekong Charity Football match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island, an event organized by the William Troost-Ekong Foundation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the foundation, spearheaded by Super Eagles stand-in Captain, Williams Troost-Ekong, aims to support underprivileged children and give back to the community through football. The 2025 edition, themed ‘PlayForPurpose’, was backed by sponsors such as NoOnes, BFA Sports, Puma, and Power Horse.
The charity match saw the attendance of notable figures including National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, who led a team composed of past and present football stars. Among the players were Obafemi Martins, Victor Osimhen, Odion Ighalo, Victor Boniface, Ahmed Musa, and John Ogu, alongside Tolu Arokodare, Wilfred Ndidi, Joseph Yobo, Stanley Nwabali, Frank Onyeka, Sikiru Alimi, and Cameroon’s Alex Song.
The event also welcomed celebrities like singer Tochukwu Ojogwu (Odumodublvck), comedian Ayo Makun (AY), and actor Samuel Perry (Broda Shaggy). The match concluded with a 7-5 scoreline, featuring goals by Alimi, Musa, Boniface, Martins, AY, Odumodublvck, Ndidi, Ideye, and Iheanacho. In the penalty shootout, Boniface, Zlatan, Yemo Lee, UK, AY, and Arokodare scored, while Song, Ideye, and Dikko missed.
AY was honored as the Man of the Match, and Troost-Ekong lifted the Charity Cup at the conclusion of the event. Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his appreciation for the initiative and promised ongoing governmental support for such causes. ‘I’m here to support our Super Eagles captain. This is a noble cause, and my government will always encourage such initiatives,’ he stated. Troost-Ekong reiterated his commitment to inspiring and aiding underprivileged children through football and education.
