In an inspiring show of dedication to Nigerian football, seven young footballers from Lagos are set to embark on international careers, driven by a vision to bring Olympic Gold home in 2028 and reach the FIFA World Cup Grand Finale in 2030.
These strategic transfers, facilitated by the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), are a testament to the association’s commitment to grassroots football.
Speaking on the transfers, the Chairman of LSFA, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, emphasized the significance of these moves for the future of Nigerian football.
“With grassroots football, we are placing Lagos first and securing Nigeria’s future in football, especially winning football gold at the 2028 Olympics and getting to the grand finale of the 2030 FIFA World Cup,” said Liameed.
The young talents making their way to Europe and South America include Okoro Ogonna of Dino FC, who is transferring to Westerlo FC in Belgium, and Emmanuel Abah of Mavlon FC, who will join Jablonec FC in the Czech Republic.
Uchenna Aririerisim from Ikorodu City FC and Kareem Peter of Imperial FC are both heading to Czech clubs Banik Ostrava FC and FC Vlasim, respectively.
Meanwhile, Gift Akpama and Maduabuchi Chukwunyere of Charlesann FC will play for Skenderbeu FC in Albania, Blessing Edet of Dino FC is moving to Caracas FC in Venezuela, and Timilehin Adekunle of Dino FC will join Sabah FC in Azerbaijan.
These transfers are the result of initiatives like The Jagaban Cup and The Lagos Supremacy Cup, grassroots tournaments designed to showcase Lagos’ young talents to top European scouts and agents. According to Liameed, “Our strength is paying 100% attention to grassroots football.
Our joy is seeing these boys eventually smile as they make career progressions. Grassroots football is the only way to place Nigerian football back on the pedestal.”
Under Liameed’s leadership, the LSFA remains committed to developing the next generation of football stars who will bring international acclaim to Nigeria.
