The second edition of the Lagos Street Soccer Stars Oshodi Tournament officially kicked off on Sunday, August 2, 2026, with 32 teams set to compete for a total prize of ₦5 million.
Ahead of the two-week knockout competition, participating teams received their playing kits during the launch ceremony. The tournament, themed “Oshodi Hidden Talents,” aims to discover promising young footballers at the grassroots level while encouraging youths to stay away from drug abuse.
The initiative is organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Grassroots Sports, Adebanji Atewogboye, widely known as SKIBANJ, in partnership with First Bank Nigeria Plc through Sporty Lagos Naija Limited. It is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader plan to strengthen grassroots sports development across all 57 local government and local council development areas.
Speaking at the event, Atewogboye said the competition was created to provide young talents with opportunities to grow and reassure them that the government is committed to supporting their ambitions.
According to him, the programme, which began last year, is focused on identifying talented players, giving them the right platform to develop, and helping them build a brighter future through sports.
The opening ceremony also featured an awareness session by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Ayenigbara Samuel, advised the participants to avoid substance abuse, stressing that drug-free athletes perform better and enjoy healthier careers.
He urged the players to make positive life choices, warning that hard drugs can destroy both their sporting ambitions and personal lives.
Despite a brief rainfall, the event attracted community leaders, football enthusiasts, coaches, and residents. Also present was the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman for Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Saheed Animashaun, who praised the organisers for creating opportunities that support youth development in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision.
Animashaun described the tournament as a meaningful initiative that will have a lasting impact on young people in Oshodi, while commending both Governor Sanwo-Olu and Atewogboye for their commitment to grassroots sports.
The opening matches produced exciting results as Dosunmu Street defeated Ariyibi Oke Street in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. Popoola Street claimed a 2-1 victory over Adeyemo Street, while Olorunishola Street wrapped up the day’s action with a convincing 3-1 win against Arowojobe Street.
Several political and community leaders also attended the ceremony, including APC Apex Body Secretary Mumuni Olori, Femi Akeju, Ipadeola Lawanson, Saheed Dokunmu, Kabiru Oriowo, Dupe Ogundeyi, and Linda Jacob.
The competition is sponsored by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and First Bank Nigeria Plc, with additional support from the King Ogunremi Foundation and Dangote Salt Plc. The tournament will conclude on August 15, 2026.
