32 Teams Compete for N5 Million in Lagos Street Soccer Tournament

Thirty-two teams are in a fierce battle for a N5 million prize as the Lagos State Government kicked off the second season of the Lagos Street Soccer Stars Oshodi tournament on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The teams received their playing kits ahead of a two-week knockout competition, according to The PUNCH.

The tournament is themed “Oshodi Hidden Talents.” It aims to find and support grassroots football talents in Lagos while helping young people stay away from drug abuse.

Adebanji Atewogboye, known as SKIBANJ, is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports. He is organizing this event together with First Bank Nigeria Plc under Sporty Lagos Naija Limited. This tournament is part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s plan to boost grassroots sports across all fifty-seven local government areas in Lagos.

Atewogboye said the program has been ongoing since last year. He wants to provide structure for young people and show that the government is committed to their futures.

“The program has been running from last year to identify hidden talents, give them structure, and show that the governor, Sanwo-Olu, is investing in their dreams,” he said.

During the event, Ayenigbara Samuel, the Chief Superintendent of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Lagos Strategic Command in Ikoyi, educated the young players about the dangers of drug use.

“Footballers can perform naturally well if they abstain from hard drugs. Abuse of drugs is destructive. We urge you to choose life over hard drugs,” Samuel said.

Despite a light drizzle, community leaders, coaches, and residents showed up for the event. Saheed Animashaun, the All Progressives Congress local government chairman for Oshodi-Isolo, praised the organizers for supporting the youth development agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

“What we witnessed at the program is a lifetime program in Oshodi. We have to appreciate the Lagos State Governor and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports for putting up the event,” Animashaun said. He called it part of the dividends of democracy under President Bola Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu.

In the opening matches on Sunday, Dosunmu Street won against Ariyibi Oke Street on penalties after a goalless draw. Popoola Street defeated Adeyemo Street 2-1.

Olorunishola Street finished the day with a 3-1 victory over Arowojobe Street.

The competition, which is sponsored by Sanwo-Olu and First Bank Nigeria Plc as the title sponsor, along with the King Ogunremi Foundation and Dangote Salt Plc as community sponsors, will continue until August 15, 2026.