…… 32 Teams Battle for ₦3.05 Million Glory, NDLEA Warns Against Drug Abuse
….APC Leaders, Football Stakeholders Rally Behind Grassroots Talent Hunt
Emmanuel Ikpeama
The much-anticipated second edition of the Lagos State Street Soccer Stars Oshodi Tournament, themed “Oshodi Hidden Talents,” and the search for the next generation of Nigerian football stars officially kicked off on Sunday, August 2, 2026, with an impressive opening ceremony that drew football enthusiasts, community leaders, political stakeholders, and residents to Oloyede Street, Oshodi, Lagos.
The two-week football fiesta is designed to discover, nurture and promote young talents from the streets to the global stage, features 32 teams, over 640 players, and a thrilling knockout format that will run from August 2 to August 15, 2026 for a total prize pool of ₦3.05 million, which happens to be one of the biggest grassroots football rewards in Lagos.
Investigator news reports that the winning team will smile home with ₦1 million, while the runners-up and third-place finishers will receive ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively. Outstanding individual performers will also be rewarded with cash prizes for the Golden Boot, Most Valuable Player, Young Player of the Tournament, Goal of the Tournament, Best Street Team, Fair Play Team and Community Spirit Award, while every Star Player of the Match will receive ₦10,000 after each game.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony,Hon Adebanji Atewogboye (SKIBANJ) described the initiative as more than a football tournament stating that the initiative was conceived to identify hidden football talents while creating positive opportunities for young people across Lagos communities.
According to him, the tournament, which began last year, is one of several grassroots sports initiatives championed by Governor Sanwo-Olu to empower youths and redirect their energy towards productive ventures, noting that many of the world’s greatest footballers began their careers on neighbourhood pitches.
He stressed that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is determined to ensure that talented youngsters in Lagos are given the same opportunity to succeed.
“Every football legend was once an unknown child playing on the streets. What we are doing today is creating a platform where hidden talents can be discovered, developed and connected to bigger opportunities. We want these young players to dream beyond Oshodi and believe they can wear the green and white jersey of Nigeria one day,” he said.
Hon SKIBANJ added that the competition has become one of the flagship grassroots sports programmes of the Lagos State Government, aimed at reducing youth unemployment, discouraging crime and creating opportunities through sports.
“Football is more than entertainment; it is a tool for empowerment, discipline, unity and economic development. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu believes that every talented young person deserves an opportunity, and this tournament is proof of that commitment.”he said
In a significant addition to the tournament, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) partnered with organisers to educate participating players on the dangers of drug abuse.
Addressing the footballers, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Mr. Ayenigbara Samuel of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Ikoyi, warned that substance abuse remains one of the greatest threats to the dreams of young athletes.
He urged participants to embrace discipline, healthy living and hard work.
“No footballer becomes great through drugs. Talent, discipline, dedication and proper training produce champions. Hard drugs destroy careers before they even begin. Choose football, choose your future and say no to drug abuse.”
The anti-drug awareness campaign received loud applause from players, coaches and spectators, many of whom described it as one of the highlights of the opening ceremony.
Another major highlight was the official presentation of branded playing kits to all 32 participating teams, signalling the beginning of what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the championship.
The atmosphere at Oloyede Street reflected the growing popularity of grassroots football in Lagos as supporters cheered passionately while local drummers and entertainers added colour to the event.
Among dignitaries present was the APC Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Hon. Saheed Animashaun, who commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and SKIBANJ for using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment.
He described the tournament as a life-changing initiative capable of producing future national football stars.
“This is not just another football competition; this is an investment in the future of our youths. Governor Sanwo-Olu has continued to demonstrate that young people matter. Through programmes like this, talents that would have remained hidden are being discovered and nurtured.”
Animashaun said the APC leadership in Oshodi came out in large numbers to support the initiative because it aligns with the government’s vision of creating opportunities for young people.
“What we have witnessed today is a programme that will remain in the history of Oshodi. Sports unite communities, keep our youths away from crime and create future champions. We are proud of what SKIBANJ has achieved and we encourage him to sustain this noble vision.”
He also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for rehabilitating the road leading to the tournament venue, describing it as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to community development.
The opening day of the championship produced thrilling football action with the first match taking place between Ariyibi Oke Street and Dosunmu Street.
Dosumu Street battled Ariyibi Oke Street to an entertaining 2-2 draw, before Dosumu triumphed in the penalty shootout to qualify for the next round.
Popoola Street defeated Adeyemi Street 3-1 in a dominant display, while Amusa Street secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Aremu Olatunbosun Street.
The final game of the day saw Olorunishola Street (Oseni Ewu) overcome Arowojobe Street 3-1 to book their place in the Round of 16.
Investigator news gathered that the tournament is supported by Sporty Lagos Naija Limited in collaboration with First Bank Nigeria Plc, while additional support comes from the King Ogunremi Foundation, Dangote Salt Plc, and other community partners committed to youth and sports development.
The event was also attended by prominent APC leaders and respected community stakeholders, including Hon. Mumuni Olori (Secretary, APC Apex Leaders), Chief Femi Akeju, Chief Ipadeola Lawanson, Hon. Saheed Dokunmu, Alhaji Kasiru Oriowo, Hon. Dupe Ogundeyi, and Mrs. Linda Jacob, all of whom applauded the organisers for providing a platform that promotes unity, healthy competition and talent discovery.
As excitement builds ahead of the remaining fixtures, football lovers are optimistic that the championship will not only produce champions but also uncover gifted players capable of representing Lagos State, Nigeria’s youth teams and ultimately the Super Eagles.
With thousands of spectators expected throughout the tournament, the Lagos State Street Soccer Stars Oshodi 2026 is already being hailed as one of the biggest grassroots football initiatives in Lagos, proving once again that the journey from the streets to international football glory often begins with a single opportunity.
