32 teams vie for N5m at Lagos Street Soccer S2

Lagos State has kicked off the second season of its street soccer tournament, the Lagos Street Soccer Stars Oshodi, with 32 teams vying for a N5 million prize package. The tournament, themed "Oshodi Hidden Talents," officially launched on Sunday, August 2, 2026, and will feature a two-week knockout competition. Teams were presented with playing kits at the unveiling ceremony, signaling the start of an intensive battle for supremacy on the local football scene.

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The programme has been running from last year to identify hidden talents, give them structure, and show that the governor, Sanwo-Olu, is investing in their dreams.

The initiative, organized by Adebanji Atewogboye, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports, in collaboration with First Bank Nigeria Plc and Sporty Lagos Naija Limited, is designed to unearth hidden football talents across the state. It is also a crucial part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration's broader strategy to invest in grassroots sports development across all 57 local government areas of Lagos State. Atewogboye highlighted that the program, running since last year, aims to provide structure for young people and demonstrate the government's commitment to their future.

Beyond talent discovery, the tournament places a strong emphasis on social impact, particularly steering young participants away from drug abuse. During the launch event, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Ayenigbara Samuel from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency delivered a sensitization talk, urging the young footballers to abstain from hard drugs and choose a life free from substance abuse. He emphasized that footballers can perform optimally when they remain drug-free, as drug abuse is ultimately destructive.

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Footballers can perform naturally well if they abstain from hard drugs. Abuse of drugs is destructive. We urge you to choose life over hard drugs.

The event drew a significant crowd of community leaders, coaches, and residents, despite a light drizzle. Local political figures, including the All Progressives Congress local government chairman for Oshodi-Isolo, Saheed Animashaun, commended the organizers for their efforts in strengthening the youth development agenda. The tournament's opening fixtures saw Dosunmu Street defeat Ariyibi Oke Street on penalties, Popoola Street beat Adeyemo Street 2-1, and Olorunishola Street secured a 3-1 victory over Arowojobe Street, setting an exciting tone for the competition ahead.

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What we witnessed at the programme is a lifetime programme in Oshodi. We have to appreciate the Lagos State Governor and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports for putting up the event.