The highly anticipated 2025 edition of the MTN-Ajegunle Peace Cup is set to kick off, featuring 32 participating teams representing streets in Ajegunle. In a unique twist, Artificial Intelligence (AI) was used to determine the draws for the tournament, which promises to bring excitement to the community.

The draws ceremony, chaired by prominent football administrators, including Mr. Dotun Coker, Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, and Jennifer Mgbor, Senior Team Lead at MTN, saw the teams learn their fates in the competition. The tournament will be played at two match venues: the New Maracana Stadium and the Nathaniel Idowu Football Pitch.

Defending champions Babani Street will begin their campaign against Taiwo Street, while last edition runners-up Akinbo Street will face Uzor Street in the initial round. The competition will feature a two-legged affair in the first round, with each team playing their respective opponents at both venues.

In his address to the teams, Mr. Coker emphasized the importance of protecting the community’s peace and highlighted the few amendments to the laws of the game. He urged teams to report to the match venues one and a half hours before kickoff to sort out any issues.

“We must make this 6th edition a success, a memorable and fruitful one,” Mr. Coker stated. “MTN is on board, and let us push them to strengthen the partnership with the Ajegunle Peace Cup.”

Jennifer Mgbor expressed her excitement about the event, saying, “Football is our game, and I like this project because it brings us all together; it unites us.” She thanked the organizing committee, everyone involved, and the local government for their support.

The Ajegunle Peace Cup was created in 2020 to promote peace and coexistence among youths in Ajegunle after the ENDSARS saga. The tournament has since become a staple in the community, and this year’s edition promises to be just as thrilling.

*Round 1 Full Fixtures:*

– Babani Street vs Taiwo Street

– Hausa Line vs Salami Street

– Ligali Street vs Kanjowo Street

– Nosamu Street vs Prince Fadina Street

– Ojo Road vs Mensah Street

– Ago Hausa Street vs Adebumoye Street

– Evie Street vs Navy Road

– Oluwa Street vs Owoyemi Street

– Uzor Street vs Akinbo Street

– Oregie Street vs Charles Avenue

– Ateboh Close vs Adekeye Street

– Akere Street vs  Navy Barracks

– Ojumola Street vs  Olowojeunjeje Street

– Aribo Street vs  Opaleye Street

– Osho Drive vs Chidi Street

– Idewu Street vs Muyibi Street

*Reports by:* Ajibaye Babatunde and McAnthony Anaelechukwu