Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, joined football stars and entertainment celebrities on the pitch for the Troost-Ekong Charity football match held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island. The event, organized by the William Troost-Ekong Foundation, aimed to support underprivileged children and give back to the community through football.
The match, themed “PlayForPurpose,” featured a star-studded lineup of celebrities and football legends, including National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, Obafemi Martins, Victor Osimhen, Odion Ighalo, Victor Boniface, Ahmed Musa, and John Ogu. Other notable attendees included Tolu Arokodare, Wilfred Ndidi, Joseph Yobo, and Cameroon’s Alex Song. Celebrities present at the event included singer Tochukwu Ojogwu (Odumodublvck), comedian Ayo Makun (AY), and actor Samuel Perry (Broda Shaggy).
The match ended 7-5, with goals from Alimi (brace), Musa, Boniface, Martins, AY, Odumodublvck, Ndidi, Ideye, and Iheanacho. In the penalty decider, Boniface, Zlatan, Yemo Lee, UK, AY, and Arokodare scored, while Song, Ideye, and Dikko missed. AY was named Man of the Match, and Troost-Ekong lifted the Charity Cup at full-time.
Speaking after the match, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the organizers and pledged continued government support for worthy causes. “I’m here to support our Super Eagles captain. This is a noble cause, and my government will always encourage such initiatives,” he said. Troost-Ekong, the founder of the William Troost-Ekong Foundation, expressed his goal of inspiring and supporting underprivileged children to achieve success through football. “Football has changed our lives, and it can change theirs too. We support them in two ways — through education and football development,” Troost-Ekong added.
The event received support from sponsors including NoOnes, BFA Sports, Puma, and Power Horse, highlighting the impact of football in giving back to the community. The Troost-Ekong Foundation’s charity match has become a significant platform for promoting football development and supporting underprivileged children in Nigeria.
