Debutants Elite FC emerged champions of the fourth edition of the D’Royal Off-Season Football Tournament after edging defending champions Olukayode FC 1-0 in Sunday’s final.
The victory earned Elite FC the championship trophy and a cash prize of ?1m, while runners-up Olukayode FC received ?500,000.
Akure The King City secured third place after defeating Velocity FC 2-0 in the bronze medal match to claim ?200,000.
The tournament, popularly known as ‘Akara Na Senior Burger,’ drew large crowds throughout its month-long run and concluded with a colourful closing ceremony in Ondo State.
The competition also witnessed the maiden edition of the DOFT Women’s Cup, with Onimarg FC emerging champions ahead of K.D.O. FC and Havilah Queens.
Onimarg FC received ?200,000 as champions, while K.D.O. FC and Havilah Queens earned ?100,000 and ?50,000 respectively.
Organisers also staged the inaugural Para-Table Tennis Championship through the D’Royal Inclusive Foundation, with seven physically challenged athletes participating in a novelty event.
The participants shared a total prize of ?300,000.
The final ceremony featured a cultural performance by the J-29 troupe, while sponsors and partners, including Bet9ja Foundation, Nestlé Nigeria, Providus Bank, HandB Sports Global, Ageless and GoldIt, supported the tournament.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the President of the D’Royal Off-Season Football Tournament, Olaniboji Mathew, popularly known as D’Royal, thanked participating teams, referees, scouts, media organisations, the medical team, sponsors and other partners for contributing to the success of the competition.
He expressed appreciation for their continued support and pledged that the fifth edition of the tournament would be bigger and better.
The month-long football fiesta ended with a fireworks display as spectators celebrated another successful edition of the grassroots competition.