Agege LG boss kicks off 2026 Obasa Summer Games

Agege Local Government’s Executive Chairman, Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, officially launched the 2026 Obasa Summer Games U16 football tournament on Thursday, marking the start of a grassroots competition featuring 28 teams from across the region. The event, themed “Rising Stars. Growing Together. One Future,” began on August 14 and will run for three weeks, with matches taking place at the Ideal Primary School, Tabon-Tabon, and Orile-Agege and Oniwaya High School, all located within Agege. The tournament includes 20 male and eight female teams, set to play 52 matches during its duration. The competition offers a total cash prize of N2 million, with the winners of both the men's and women's divisions set to share the reward. During the opening ceremony, Obasa emphasized the importance of providing young athletes with platforms to showcase their skills, regardless of their current proficiency. He noted that the number of participating teams has risen significantly compared to the previous edition, which saw 16 male and four female teams compete. This increase reflects the growing interest and investment in local youth football. Obasa highlighted that the tournament takes place on sand surface pitches, reinforcing its grassroots nature. He also shared that one player identified through the event has already been invited to join the national U17 team, the Golden Eaglets, underscoring the potential impact of the competition. This achievement serves as evidence of the program’s success in nurturing emerging talent. In addition to the ongoing tournament, Obasa announced plans to form a new community team called Agege City FC before the end of the year. The team will be composed of players scouted from the Summer Games, aligning with other successful Lagos-based clubs such as Ikorodu City, Inter Lagos, Sporting Lagos, and Eko United. Obasa described sports development as a crucial avenue for young individuals to explore their abilities and shape their futures. The tournament aims to foster a sense of unity and collective growth among participants, emphasizing teamwork and personal development. By creating opportunities for young athletes to engage in competitive play, the event supports broader efforts to cultivate sporting excellence in the region. The involvement of multiple schools and local institutions underscores the collaborative approach taken by Agege Local Government in advancing youth sports initiatives. As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on identifying and nurturing talent while promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports. With the establishment of Agege City FC, there is anticipation that the legacy of the Summer Games will extend beyond the competition itself, contributing to the long-term development of football in the area. The upcoming months will see the continued engagement of local communities, further strengthening the foundation for future sporting achievements.