The secretary-general of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Rabiu-Okikiopusu has revealed that over 155 non-league clubs are currently affiliated to the governing body and more than 100 others are eager to follow suit.
Aside from the large number of non-league teams eager to come officially under LSFA’s umbrella, Rabiu-Okikiopusu also pointed out that the promotion of Ikorodu City FC to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) at the end of last season is further testimony to the healthy atmosphere that clubs always enjoy in Lagos State.
The LSFA scribe added in an exclusive interview with sports247.ng that the presence of six clubs in the lower division Nigerian National League (NNL) and two in the Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership further affirms the verdict that Lagos-based clubs are thriving in a healthy environment.
Rabiu-Okikiopusu gave the verdict on Saturday, a few minutes after the Congress of LSFA rose from their annual general meeting at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, where Ikorodu City’s ascent to the NPFL was formally recognised, among many other resolutions.
Also officially noted in an amendment to the statutes of LSFA is the presence of Smart City FC in the NNL, but Rabiu-Okikiopusu further revealed that the state has a total of 56 clubs spread across both segments of the third cadre Nationwide League One (NLO).
He expatiated, “We have Ikorodu City in the NPFL and six clubs in the Nigerian National League. We also have 56 football clubs in NLO One and Two.
“Not forgetting that we have two Premiership female teams in Lagos. We have FC Robo Queens, the landlady of female football in Lagos, and we have Dannaz Ladies.
“We also have six clubs in the Women’s Championship and over 155 non-league clubs affiliated with us. We even have over 100 that still want to be affiliated with the FA.”
The LSFA secretary then unfolded reasons behind the huge array of clubs that are currently on the association’s roster, and many others want to join.
He summed up with a verdict that they are all eager to tap into the fertile and thriving atmosphere provided by the LSFA, which he urged corporate bodies and individuals to also take advantage of.
“The reason is that there is something we are doing right in Lagos. Every team wants to be among our partners, and they want to be affiliated with us.
“So, all what we can do us keep telling the private sector that they can come in and partner with us, towards actualising and implementation of the budget to the latter for the good of football in Lagos,” Rabiu-Okikiopusu enthused.
He additionally revealed to sports247.ng that a budget of N3.6bn was also approved on Saturday by the Congress and executive committee of LSFA for the 2024/2025 football season.
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