Chrisland School Triumphs at 2025 Daniel Oreoluwa Adebiyi Foundation Soccer Challenge

Chrisland School emerged champions of the 2025 Daniel Oreoluwa Adebiyi Foundation Soccer Challenge after a gripping all-Chrisland final, where Team A narrowly defeated Team B 2-1.

Now in its fifth year, the annual tournament honours the legacy of Daniel Oreoluwa Adebiyi, a gifted young footballer and beloved former student of Chrisland School. The one-day event was hosted at the Chrisland College grounds in Idimu, Lagos, and this edition drew a larger turnout than previous years.

Six schools participated in the competition: Chrisland School Teams A and B, Leeland, Honeyland, Supreme Education Foundation, and FERSCOAT. The teams were split into two groups for the preliminary round-robin stage, with the top performers advancing to the knockout rounds.

After a series of competitive fixtures, the two Chrisland sides reached the final, delivering a spirited contest marked by tactical discipline and individual brilliance.

During the medal ceremony, Dr. Mike Adebiyi, CEO of the Daniel Oreoluwa Adebiyi (D.O.A) Foundation, spoke passionately about the inspiration behind the tournament.

“Daniel was our last child and a gifted footballer,” he said. “He had been accepted into a European football academy and was due to begin his journey after his final exams. Tragically, he didn’t get the chance. We created this tournament to honour his memory and continue his dream.”

Dr. Adebiyi also outlined the foundation’s long-term vision to grow the tournament beyond Lagos, with the goal of eventually selecting and sponsoring the Most Valuable Player each year to a European football academy.

“Our aim is to scale this initiative nationwide, where the MVP will be given the opportunity Daniel never had training in Europe, living his dream,” he added.

Representing the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), treasurer Femi Amusan delivered remarks on behalf of national president Isaiah Benjamin. He praised the organisers for using football as a platform to empower youth and foster unity.

“This is more than a football tournament,” Amusan said. “It’s a celebration of resilience, unity, and the boundless potential of young people. Football instils essential life values, discipline, teamwork, respect, and perseverance.”

Standout player Onunkwo John, who delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament, was named Most Valuable Player for the second time further underlining the competition’s role in nurturing talent.