Lagos FA promotes grassroots football for 2028 Olympics, 2030 World Cup

In a significant move for Nigerian football, seven young footballers from Lagos are set to begin their international careers, with the long term goal of achieving Olympic Gold in 2028 and competing in the FIFA World Cup final in 2030. These transfers, organised by the Lagos State Football Association LSFA, underscore the association’s dedication to grassroots football development.

The Chairman of LSFA, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, highlighted the importance of grassroots football in shaping the future of Nigerian football. “With grassroots football, we are placing Lagos first and securing Nigeria’s future in football, especially winning football gold at the 2028 Olympics and getting to the grand finale of the 2030 FIFA World Cup,” said Liameed.

Among the young talents transferring abroad are Okoro Ogonna of Dino FC, moving to Westerlo FC in Belgium, and Emmanuel Abah of Mavlon FC, joining Jablonec FC in the Czech Republic. Other players, such as Uchenna Aririerisim, Kareem Peter, Gift Akpama, and Maduabuchi Chukwunyere, will also join clubs across Europe and South America. These strategic moves were facilitated by grassroots tournaments like The Jagaban Cup and The Lagos Supremacy Cup, which aim to showcase Lagos’ football talent to European scouts and agents.

Liameed reiterated the importance of grassroots initiatives in developing the next generation of football stars. “Our strength is paying 100% attention to grassroots football. Our joy is seeing these boys eventually smile as they make career progressions,” he added.

Under Liameed’s leadership, the LSFA remains committed to nurturing young football talents and helping them achieve international acclaim.

Editorial

We believe that grassroots football is the lifeblood of a country’s success in the global football arena, and Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed’s efforts to champion this cause through the Lagos State Football Association are commendable. With aspirations to win Olympic gold in 2028 and reach the FIFA World Cup final in 2030, the strategic moves to send young footballers from Lagos to clubs in Europe and South America signal a new chapter for Nigerian football.

Grassroots tournaments such as The Jagaban Cup and The Lagos Supremacy Cup play an integral role in showcasing emerging talents to top scouts, providing opportunities that many young players in Nigeria have longed for. As these young talents head to clubs in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Venezuela, and Azerbaijan, the broader vision for Nigerian football continues to take shape.

These efforts also serve as a reminder of the power of youth development programs. While short term victories and accolades may be celebrated, building a strong football culture takes time, patience, and investment in the future. The goal is not just to send players abroad, but to nurture talents who can return and make Nigeria proud on the world stage.

Liameed’s leadership and vision are a refreshing approach to the future of Nigerian football, one that emphasizes creating opportunities for youth while building a pathway to international success.

Did You Know?

1. Nigeria won Olympic football gold in 1996, becoming the first African nation to achieve this feat.
2. Several Nigerian footballers who began their careers at the grassroots level have gone on to achieve global success, including Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha.
3. The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament in the world, and Nigeria has qualified for the tournament six times, making its debut in 1994.
4. Grassroots tournaments, like The Jagaban Cup, provide young players with exposure to international scouts, which increases their chances of securing professional contracts abroad.
5. Developing football talent at the grassroots level is widely seen as a crucial strategy for long term success in both domestic leagues and international competitions.