The inaugural Lagos Mini Football League has concluded with Larry FC and Unification Ladies emerging as champions in the men's and women's categories. The finals were held at the Keke Primary School Sports Facility in Agege, Lagos. Larry FC secured the men's title by defeating G-Innovation 2-1, while Unification Ladies won the women's title by edging Dream Stars 4-3. A total of 30 clubs participated in the six-a-side tournament, comprising 20 men's and 10 women's teams.
The winners of the tournament received a total of N3.5 million in prize money. Larry FC and Unification Ladies each received N1 million for their respective titles. G-Innovation, the runners-up in the men's category, collected N500,000, while Mande FC took N250,000 for third place. In the women's category, Dream Stars earned N500,000 for finishing second, and Ghetto Tigers received N250,000 for third place. The prize money was distributed to the winners at the finals.
The Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa, who also heads the Lagos State Mini Football League Association, commended the organisers for hosting the championship successfully. He praised the high quality of play from the different teams, citing the players' fitness, skills, technique, and overall organisation as excellent. Obasa also acknowledged the efforts of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in attracting fans from across Lagos.
Obasa highlighted the unique features of the Mini Football League, which is distinguished by its special rules aimed at popularising small-sided games. He noted that mini football is played by many people daily and that the goal is to promote it as a top sport within communities. The Mini Football League has created opportunities for youths through participation and weekly commerce around it.
The Agege 2026 event has elevated Nigeria's Mini Football from a lower tier to the top 7 in Africa, according to Obasa. He also mentioned that the upcoming Mini Football Women's AFCON in Cameroon will feature players selected from the Agege championship. This is expected to push Nigeria further in the Mini Football Rankings as they prepare to make a meaningful impact at the event.
The Lagos Mini Football League has been hailed as a success, with 30 clubs competing in the inaugural edition. The tournament has provided a platform for youths to showcase their skills and has created opportunities for commerce and participation. The organisers have been commended for their efforts in promoting mini football in Lagos.
The conclusion of the Lagos Mini Football League has set the stage for the upcoming Mini Football Women's AFCON in Cameroon. With Nigeria's elevation to the top 7 in Africa, the country is expected to make a strong impact at the event. The success of the Lagos Mini Football League has demonstrated the potential for mini football to grow and develop in Nigeria.
Key points
- Larry FC and Unification Ladies win men's and women's titles in Lagos Mini Football League
- A total of N3.5 million in prize money was shared among the winners
- The Lagos Mini Football League has elevated Nigeria's Mini Football from a lower tier to the top 7 in Africa
