Football engages Nigerian youths positively – Lagos state sports commission

Football serves as a significant means of positively engaging youth, according to Mr. Lekan Fatodu, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC).

He made this comment during the launch of the 4th edition of the Afinni Unity Cup 2025, titled “The Price before the Price,” at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.

Fatodu praised this community development initiative, emphasizing that sports play a crucial role in transforming negative youth ideologies and addressing societal issues.

He remarked, “This initiative is about giving back to the community, fostering peace, and encouraging individuals to adopt more constructive lifestyles, as sports have evolved beyond mere recreation. They have become an essential global phenomenon that we need to leverage.”

Honourable Sulaimon Olarenwaju Afinni, the event’s organizer and a member of the Lagos State House Assembly, shared that the competition originated as a seven-a-side game in a smaller stadium on Lagos Island before expanding to an 11-a-side format.

He pointed out that the tournament provides a platform for local talent to gain visibility, attracting international agents who can offer young athletes career opportunities and help the most promising players advance.