Noble FC have emerged champions of the 2025 Araromi LCDA Football Competition after a thrilling final decided by penalties against Authentic FC. The grassroots tournament, organised by the youths of Ado-Awaye under the umbrella of the Ado-Awaye Progressive Youths Movement (APYM), marked the third edition of the annual competition.
The tournament featured eight teams, divided into Groups A and B. Group A consisted of Authentic FC, Fabulous FC, Noble FC and Unbeatable FC, while Group B featured Akinwumi United, Lobi Star FC, Super Star FC and Wasinmi FC. Matches were played over seven days, producing intense competition and impressive displays of local football talent.
After the group-stage fixtures and knockout rounds, Noble FC defeated Wasinmi FC 2–0 in the semi-final, while Authentic FC secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Super Star FC. The third-place match saw Super Star FC edge Wasinmi FC 3–2. In the final, Noble FC and Authentic FC played out a goalless draw, before Noble FC clinched the title via a decisive penalty kick.
At the end of the competition, Noble FC claimed the top prize of ₦100,000, Authentic FC finished second with ₦70,000, and Super Star FC secured third place with ₦50,000.
The tournament received strong support and donations from prominent sons and daughters of Ado-Awaye, including Mr Abiodun Ogunleti, Mrs Taiwo Adetokun, Mr Oludare Ogunlana, Engr. Rasaq Jeleel (Cyberlink Filling Station), HRM Ọba Okunlola Amidu (The Alawaye of Awaye), Hon. Tiamiyu Ibrahim Oladoja, Hon. Adeola Bamidele, Mr. Ogundare Babalola (KoolFM) and several other community leaders.
The grand finale attracted a large turnout of Ado-Awaye indigenes and dignitaries, notably HRM Ọba Okunlola Amidu, representatives of Engr. Jeleel Rasaq Imoran, Prince Yemisi Ajayi, and the Chairman of Araromi LCDA, Hon. Tiamiyu Ibrahim Oladoja.
During the closing ceremony, special recognition was given to Adepoju Sodiq, celebrated as a “Golden Son of the Soil” for winning the Golden Boot as highest goal scorer at the Baba Bamboo Akintola Football Competition 2025 in Oyo Town. Organisers also encouraged young football enthusiasts to register as trained referees to strengthen local officiating capacity.
The APYM organising committee, led by Mr Gbenga Ajayi (Chairman), alongside Comr. Ajibola Abdul-Azeez Oluwaseun (Vice Chairman and APYM President), Mr Babatunde Johnson (Treasurer), Mr Sheu Afeez Olayemi (Financial Secretary), Busari Kabiru (Director of Sports), and Mr Shola (Member), was widely commended for a successful and well-organised tournament that promoted unity and youth development in Ado-Awaye.