36 Lion secured the championship title at the GSL Cup, marking the end of an exciting four-day youth tournament that highlighted the potential of grassroots football in Lagos, Naija Footy reports.
This event served as a vital platform for young players to showcase their skills and underscored the unifying power of football across communities, countries, and cultures.
Hajji Gafar Liameed, chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, played a pivotal role in supporting this initiative, reaffirming the association’s dedication to creating opportunities for young footballers in the state. The tournament also opened significant developmental avenues, with eight promising players selected for opportunities in Europe and Kazakhstan.
The LSFA extended its gratitude to Filip Stanojevic, Dusan Ranic, and Babatunde Adedokun for their contributions to the scouting and selection process. Their involvement helped bridge Lagos-based grassroots football with international opportunities, giving selected players a chance to further develop beyond Nigeria.
In addition, the competition strengthened football ties between Nigeria and Kazakhstan. The LSFA acknowledged Askhat Sagitzhanuly Kalzhanov, President of the Aktobe Regional Football Association of Kazakhstan, for his role in this collaboration. The event also provided Lagos coaches with exposure to modern coaching techniques and practical insights that could enhance player development throughout the state’s extensive grassroots network.
Lagos continues to be a major football hub in Nigeria, home to over 2,000 academies, 10 professional clubs, and countless young players with aspirations of success. Under Hajji Liameed Gafar leadership, the LSFA’s emphasis on partnerships, technical advancement, and international connections highlights the need to forge stronger pathways from grassroots football to professional opportunities both locally and internationally.
Though 36 Lion claimed the tournament trophy, the broader success lies with Lagos football as a whole. The selection of eight players for overseas opportunities, the exchange of coaching expertise, and the solidification of international partnerships all signal a flourishing ecosystem. For Hajji Liameed Gafar and the LSFA, the goal remains clear: continue building connections, creating opportunities, and positioning Lagos as a launchpad for the next generation of Nigerian football stars.
