A TEENAGER stabbed to death in London was a member of Oxford United’s Football and Education Academy, it emerged last night.

Seventeen-year-old Godwin Nii Lawson died after he was stabbed in the chest during an attack in Amhurst Park, Hackney, north London just before 2am on Saturday.

Flowers were laid at the scene as one friend claimed he may have been killed because of a ‘turf war’.

Last night tributes were paid to Godwin as he was described as a dedicated, popular and conscientious student of the academy, which aims to develop boys’ and girls’ footballing and academic abilities.

Speaking on behalf of the football and education academy and its educational partner The Oxford Academy, youth and community trust director Simon Lenagan said: “We have been informed by the police that a tragic incident took place on Saturday, March 27, involving Godwin Lawson.

“Our sincere condolences are extended to Godwin’s family at this very sad time.

“Godwin was a popular and conscientious student who worked as hard at his studies in the classroom as he did during football training sessions.

“His dedication to the course was best exemplified by the way he applied himself tirelessly to his rehabilitation from a serious injury sustained last year.

“He will be hugely missed by Students and staff.”

Mr Lenagan added: “Oxford United Football Club and their educational partner The Oxford Academy are currently supporting fellow students on the course through this difficult time and ask that they – as well as Godwin’s family – are allowed the privacy to observe their own grieving process.”

Godwin, who stayed in Oxford for the course and whose family lived in Enfield, was found by police in Amhurst Park and pronounced dead at the scene.

Two friends aged 18 and 20 were taken to hospital suffering from stab wounds.

One was said to be seriously ill, though neither is thought to be in a life-threatening condition.

Det Chf Insp John Macdonald said the three were attacked in Amhurst Park near the junction with Durley Road. At least four men then fled up Durley Road.

He added: “The area would still have been quite busy at the time of the attack.”

Two girls at the murder scene who said they were friends of Godwin also paid tribute to him.

Natalie Rochester-Clarke, 17, said: “He was always so happy, always laughing.”

Her friend, 16-year-old Paula Blanco-Rubio, added: “I’ve known him for two or three years. He was like a big brother to me.”

Natalie said she believed he could have been caught up in a turf war.

She said: “He was from Tottenham and this is Stamford Hill.”

His death came within 36 hours of that of another teenager, 15-year-old Sofyen Belamouadden.

He was cornered by a gang of schoolboys at Victoria Underground station and repeatedly knifed on Thursday.

Godwin is the fifth teenager to be murdered in London this year.

Students at the football and education academy work on their football skills as well as studying coaching, sports performance and physiotherapy.