Sports
Excitement Builds as 1st Kuje Football League Kicks Off on Sunday
By Joel Ajayi
Kuje, one of the most vibrant towns in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is alive with excitement as the much-anticipated 1st Kuje Football League kicks off this Sunday, setting a new benchmark for grassroots football development.
Ten men’s teams are set to compete across various locations in Kuje, promising thrilling encounters and a celebration of local talent. Football enthusiasts can expect a dynamic competition, as the teams battle it out for top honors.
Speaking at the official press briefing on Thursday in Kuje, Chairman of the Kuje Football League Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Muhammed Momoh, expressed his passion and commitment to the league’s success. He emphasized the importance of professionalism and fair play as the foundation of this new sporting project.
Mr Momoh expressed that with the community support, the 1st Kuje Football League is set to become a landmark event in the local football scene.
“Football in Kuje is long overdue. Since I arrived here, I kept wondering why isn’t there a football league in Kuje? Football is one of the best ways to engage our youth and create vibrant activity in the community,” he said.
Momoh noted that the idea for the league came after thoughtful planning and recognition of the benefits it would bring to Kuje.
He also acknowledged the FCT government’s efforts, particularly infrastructure development, such as roads, which have boosted morale and created a suitable environment for sporting activities.
“Once we introduce this league, it will complement what the FCT government is doing. That’s why we decided the time is now. We reached out to sponsorsand thankfully, Pepsi came on board and supported the vision,” he added.
According to him, the league will feature 10 teams and over 180 matches, running for a duration of five months, primarily on weekends.
However, in cases of weather disruptions like rain, matches may be rescheduled to midweek Wednesdays or Thursdays.
“The league promises not only entertainment but also incentives. The champion of the maiden edition will walk away with a cash prize of ₦1.6 million, while the runner-up and third-place team will receive ₦600,000 and ₦400,000, respectively.
“Pepsi, as the main sponsor, will also provide jerseys for all participating teams, adding value and uniformity to the tournament. Individual brilliance will be rewarded as well, with a Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for every match.”
Participating teams include: Holy Ghost FC, Royal Eni FC, Crown Tee FC, Homeboys FC, Cargo FC, Rondo FC, Amazing Grace FC amongst others.
Sports
Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”
“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.
“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”
In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.
“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”
The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.
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