Sports

Published

4 years ago

April 22, 2022

Lagos State Is Hub Of Grassroots Development-Stakeholders

By Akeem Busari

Football stakeholders have described Lagos state as the hub of grassroots football development in Nigeria. Recent research and investigations by Sports Chronicle Magazine showed that Lagos state has become a beehive of grassroots football activities.

According to the findings of SCM, grassroots football teams are enjoying a conducive environment, made possible by Lagos State Football Association. There are a plethora of grassroots football competitions taking place simultaneously in different parts of the state.
According to Badagry-based grassroots football promoter, Sola Smart, Lagos State is undoubted, the leader in grassroots football development.

” Grassroots football is thriving and developing in Lagos state because the State FA is equally committed to the development of football at the grassroots level. I am saying this because, unlike some states in the country that pays lip service to grassroots football development, Lagos FA have overtime proved to be willing partners in this aspect,” the youthful football administrator remarked.

Coach Dominic Etim, who is the proprietor of Baraka football academy, noted that grassroots teams in Lagos are always busy competing in one tournament or the other. He was full of praises for the several grassroots football organizers and sponsors for their roles in developing Nigerian football, as well as, helping to take the youths off the streets.

SCM also discovered that most local government areas in the state are replete with mini or Olympic-sized pitches for the use of the grassroots football teams, therefore, giving birth to several local football leagues and championships. Prominent amongst these government-owned facilities is the Odion Ighalo O2 Arena in the famous Ajegunle area of Lagos state, which recently played host to some matches of the Lagos State FA cup.

In a recent interview with Sports Chronicle Magazine, Lagos State FA Chairman, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who also doubles as the 1st Vice-President of Nigeria Football Federation, was effusive in praises for the grassroots football stakeholders in the state. He commended their steadfastness and commitment to the development and growth of football at the grassroots levels in the state.

” Lagos State Football Association is, indeed, proud of the football stakeholders in the state, particularly, at the grassroots levels. Despite the strangulating economic situation in the country, they have continued to ensure that football in Lagos state thrives.

“I am equally happy and proud to tell you that we have a properly structured football ecosystem and with an enviable success template,” the experienced and high resourceful football administrator stated.

Akinwunmi further remarked that the emergence of some youth players, like former Golden Eaglets captain Samson Tijani and highly rated Akinkunmi Amoo, who were discovered at some Lagos FA youth football programs on the national scene, are testimonials of the workable and result-oriented programs of the state FA.

It was also discovered that Lagos State is one of the leading states in female football, with hundreds of young female footballers scouted at different grassroots football tournaments plying their trades with several club sides in and outside the country, as well as, the various female national teams.

Notwithstanding the enviable successes achieved in Lagos football, Akinwunmi noted the need for more financial support from corporate bodies and well-placed individuals.

” We appreciate the support from organizations and individuals towards the development of football in this state, however, we need more support. Football is big business and I believe it can get better and bigger, with more corporate and individual support,” Akinwunmi stated.

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Sports

Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025

Published

7 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.

From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.

Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.

They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.

Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.

The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.

With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.

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