Spirits 5‑Aside Tournament: Chekas FC Wins Badagry Championship, Defeating All Saints

The Badagry divisional qualifiers for the 2026 Spires 5‑Aside Naija Street Soccer tournament were marked by excitement, emotion, and celebration as three teams earned automatic spots in the state finals.

The eight‑team qualifying event was fiercely contested. Newcomers Smiler All Champions Football Club secured a coveted ticket, while former divisional champions All Saints Football Club failed to reach the state championship later in the year.

Last year’s losing finalists, Chekas United Football Club, advanced further to become champions of the Badagry qualifiers after a hard‑fought penalty shootout victory over Smiler All Champions, who made an impressive debut in the tournament.

The decisive final, held over the weekend at the Honourable Lukman Olumoh’s Sports Complex in Awori‑Ora, Ajegunle, saw Chekas United prevail in sudden‑death penalties against Smiler All Champions FC after both teams finished regulation time with a 3‑3 draw.

In the third‑place playoff, Emaljus Football Club defeated All Saints Football Club 2‑1.

Chekas FC, as division champions, received N500,000, Smiler FC earned N300,000, and Emaljus Football Club was awarded N100,000. All three teams qualified for the state championship. Although All Saints FC did not advance, forward Moses Obi was awarded a N50,000 cash prize for being the tournament’s top scorer.

Victor Ottah, Public Relations Director of the Spires 5‑Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament, said the Badagry division met expectations, praising the teams and players for their exceptional skills and performances. He also highlighted the energy and passion shown by the fans.

“This is what the tournament is about, plenty of grit and excitement from the fans. The Badagry division was truly a spectacle; we hope for more fireworks from the teams in Ikeja coming next,” Ottah said.

Brand Ambassador Chukwudi Ezugwu called on corporate organizations to support the youth development initiative and praised Dr. Bankole Allibay, the tournament’s initiator, for creating a platform that helps local players develop and advance their careers.

The division qualifiers will move to Ikeja for the final stage, where eight teams will compete for spots in the main tournament scheduled for November.