In the heart of Surulere, Lagos, a football revolution is unfolding. Gbaja FC, a dynamic U16 team, is poised to dazzle at the prestigious FC Bayern Youth Cup in Munich, carrying the hopes of a community and the vision of a leader dedicated to youth empowerment. Born from the Femi Gbajabiamila U16 Football Competition held in 2024, this squad of young talents—drawn from public and private schools across Surulere—embodies resilience, teamwork, and ambition.
Spearheaded by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, this initiative transcends sport. The Femi Gbajabiamila Football Academy, established post-tournament, is a beacon of mentorship, fostering not just athletes but responsible citizens. By providing a platform to steer youth away from vices like drug abuse and cultism, the program instills discipline and purpose. Gbaja FC’s selection for the Bayern-backed competition, which has engaged over 100,000 players globally since 2012, is a testament to its rigorous scouting and training process.
Organizers, including Adewale Oshokoya, have earned praise for their meticulous approach—ensuring the right schools, age range, and mentorship align to create a team brimming with potential. For these young players, the FC Bayern Youth Cup is more than a tournament; it’s a gateway to global opportunities, with standout performers potentially joining the FC Bayern Global Academy.
As Gbaja FC prepares to showcase Surulere’s spirit on an international stage, stakeholders can take pride in a project that blends football with social impact. This is a story of dreams taking flight, one goal at a time.
