Grassroots football returned to Agege with remarkable colour and intensity on Friday as Flexy 89 FA defeated Papa Academy FA 4-3 in a dramatic opening match of the 2025 Obasa Games. The third edition of the fast-rising community tournament kicked off at the Anwaru Islam College pitch, where a passionate crowd watched both sides produce an entertaining display filled with skill, energy and goals.
The seven-goal thriller served as a perfect curtain raiser to a competition that has steadily grown into one of Lagos most vibrant football showcases. Players delivered early hints of what the tournament promises this year. Raw talent, bold dribbles, tactical bravery and an atmosphere that only grassroots football can provide.
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It was a game witnessed by several political figures and ex-internationals. The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Right Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, led the dignitaries in attendance. He was joined by the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Mr Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, as well as former Super Eagles legend Henry Nwosu. Their presence added prestige to an already lively football event.
Flexy 89 wasted no time making their intent known. Osinachi Ebere opened the scoring in the 8th minute and doubled his tally two minutes later, while Alao Adegoke scored the 3rd goal in the 20th minute of play to put Flexy 89 ahead. Papa Academy responded through Muhis Oguniyi, who struck twice in the 26th and 31st to end the first half 3-2. A 40th-minute own goal by Flexy 89’s John Nwakaeze completed the equaliser for Papa Academy FA, but the drama was far from over.
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Alao Adegoke of Flexy 89 stamped his influence on the match with his brace in the seventieth minute, and the goal delivered victory for Flexy 89. Oguniyi remained Papa Academy’s biggest threat, yet his efforts were not enough to turn the tide. The match delivered a thrilling contest until the final whistle, with both teams showing heart and resilience.
The win sends Flexy 89 straight into the group stage, while Papa Academy face an early exit in what has already proven to be a fiercely competitive edition.
Match officials recorded several notable cautions. Flexy 89 received bookings for Oye Azeez in the 58th minute and Oyajide David in the 70th minute of play, while Papa Academy’s Godday Egeh was cautioned in the 61st minute.
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The coaching crew of both sides made several tactical substitutions. Flexy 89 introduced David Ikade and Balogun Fatiu in the 36th minute, while Papa Academy brought in Tejumola Ayomide and Ogor Patrick as they sought to regain control.
With the opener concluded, attention shifts to the remaining fixtures of the preliminary knockout stage. The schedule features teams from across Lagos, including FC Robo, Galacticos FA, Young Talented, Spartans FC, Varsity FC, De Potters FC, Fortune FA and several others competing across multiple venues in Agege and Abesan.
The Obasa Games continue this weekend with fixtures spread across Anwaru Islam Centre, Dairy Farm School Agege and Abesan Mini Stadium. Grassroots football enthusiasts are set for a packed lineup as young talents battle for places in the group stage.
Below is the full schedule for the preliminary knockout matches.
Saturday 15 November at Anwaru Islam Centre, Agege
Bright Future vs De Sporty Messiah FC at 9am
Chekas United vs Galacticos FA at 10.30am
Hephzibah FA vs Samadeck at 12 noon
Young Talented vs Dazzel FA at 1.30pm
Dynamic FA vs B United FA at 3pm
Saturday 15 November at Dairy Farm School, Agege
Shuffle Select vs FA Victory Sports at 9am
FC Robo vs Aiwo FC at 10.30am
Fortune FA vs Ibeju Lekki United at 12 noon
Goal Getters FC vs China Five Stars at 1.30pm
Comfortedge vs Fackson Tofido FA at 3pm
Sunday 16 November at Abesan Mini Stadium
Toma FC vs Spartans FC at 9am
Pumah FA vs Dialight FA at 10.30am
Young Striker vs Olhan FC at 12 noon
Power of the Cross FA vs Real Tops FA at 1.30pm
FC Wesco vs Tops FC at 3pm
Synergy Ultimate Sports vs Varsity FC at 4.30pm
Monday 17 November at Abesan
Team 360 vs Ace Mariners FC at 12 noon
Net Breakers FA vs Royal FC at 1.30pm
De Potters FC vs SBS FC at 3pm
Tuesday 18 November at Dairy Farms
FC Phoenix vs M22 FC at 3pm
Ghetto Tigers vs Sabo Kingdom Boys FA at 4.30pm
The 2025 Obasa Games have kicked off with intensity and excitement, and if the opening fixture is a sign of what is to come, Lagos football lovers are in for one of the most competitive editions yet.
