..As Hon Atewogboye Set to Unveil Future Football Champions
By Emma Ikpeama
In line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development and creating opportunities for young talents, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports Development, Mr. Adebanji Adeoye Atewogboye, has unveiled plans for the second edition of the Lagos State Street Soccer Stars – Oshodi 2026.
The tournament, themed “Oshodi Hidden Talent,” is expected to provide a platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their abilities while promoting unity, healthy competition and youth engagement across communities in Oshodi.
The football fiesta will take place at Oloyede Street, Oshodi, from August 2 to August 15, 2026, with matches scheduled daily between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Designed to discover the next generation of football stars, the championship will feature an impressive 640 players drawn from 64 streets within Oshodi, making it one of the largest community-based football competitions in Lagos State.
Investigator news reports that organisers have lined up four matches daily, promising two weeks of exciting football action for residents and sports lovers.
Speaking on the significance of the tournament, Atewogboye said the initiative reflects the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to sports development at the grassroots, noting that community football remains one of the most effective avenues for identifying and nurturing future professional footballers.
He explained that the championship is not only about winning trophies but also about discovering hidden talents, keeping youths positively engaged, promoting discipline and teamwork, and creating pathways for gifted players to pursue professional football careers.
According to him, the competition is in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and community development across the state.
To make the competition more rewarding, the organisers have announced a total prize pool of ₦2.25 million. The eventual champions will receive ₦1 million, while the runners-up will take home ₦750,000. The third-placed team will be rewarded with ₦500,000.
Beyond the cash prizes, outstanding players are expected to attract the attention of football scouts and clubs, giving them opportunities to advance their careers.
The organisers have therefore called on residents, community leaders, football enthusiasts and supporters to turn out in large numbers to cheer the participating teams throughout the two-week tournament.
