Pupils return from Russia, relish World Cup experience

Pupils from public schools in Lagos, who were in Russia for the World Cup, courtesy FIFA Foundation Football Festival supervised by AZURA-Edo, returned to the Lagos with lots of tales to tell.

According to the organisers, the pupils who went to Russia on the platform of Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (YEDI), were picked after fulfilling all criteria.

The children are Rodiat Salami of Iju Senior Grammar School; Wilfred Omotolani of Birch Freeman Senior High School; Eunice Jubril of Fazil-Omar High School Iwaya and Bright Asaju who is also from Fazil-Omar High School Iwaya.

The contingent accompanied by YEDI Director, Oje Ivagba, and Hannah Bamiwola, a staff, left the country in June and returned last weekend.

The teenagers, who shared their experiences, said they had a great time in Russia, while thanking the sponsors for the trip.

Sixteen-year-old Salami said the trip gave her self-esteem and a boost while Asaju said the event opened his eyes to other lessons of football game.

“I made a lot of friends and through the games we played, we were able to understand that there is no difference between the African continents and those from other continents,” Asaju said.

In her opinion, Jubril said she learnt that there was no difference between male and female, adding that her confidence has increased through the event.

According to, Ivagba, “The FIFA Foundation Football Festival had over 48 delegations from community-based organisations across the world and it is aimed at using football to drive positive societal change.

“While FIFA covers most of the cost associated with our participation at the festival, participating organisations were required to source for local sponsors to cover all related cost for preparing delegations members for the trip and their comfort during the stay.

“Azura-Edo sponsored the delegation given its belief in YEDI programmes, passion for football and the potential of youth for transforming communities.”