Culture Meets Kickoff: Lagos FA Cup Unveils Iconic Eyo Trophy

​SURULERE, LAGOS – The intersection of heritage and high-stakes football took center stage at the National Stadium’s Indoor Hall as the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) officially conducted the draw for the 2026 Lagos State Challenge Cup.

​The ceremony was headlined by the unveiling of a new, culturally symbolic trophy inspired by the iconic Eyo Masquerade. Donated by 54Footballx, the silverware was presented by prominent traditional rulers, HRM Oba Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello (Isheri-Olofin Kingdom) and Oba Abdul Moruf Oyekunle Oluwa (Olu-Iwa of Apapa). The Eyo motif, a timeless emblem of Lagosian dignity, has been adopted to reinforce the competition’s identity as Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious grassroots tournament.

​Under the leadership of LSFA Chairman Hajji Liameed Gafar, the 2026 edition introduces a transformative ₦100 million, three-year broadcast deal with Cloud Sports Limited. For the first time, all matches featuring the 77 participating teams will be live-streamed globally, offering local talents an unprecedented digital window to international scouts and fans.

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​“This competition represents more than football; it reflects our culture, our unity, and our vision for the future,” Gafar stated during the draw. “We are committed to delivering a tournament that will continue to discover talents and inspire the next generation.”

​To alleviate the financial burden on grassroots clubs, tournament sponsor Dr. Sheriff Tajudeen, CEO of Cloud Sports, announced a comprehensive support package:

1.Logistics Support: Each participating team received three professional-grade match balls.

2.Media Empowerment: Club media officers underwent specialized training to enhance the digital footprint of their respective teams.

3.Prize Pool: Financial rewards have been scaled up, with winners in both the male and female categories set to claim ₦1.5 million, while runners-up will take home ₦500,000.

​The tournament, which serves as the state qualifier for the national President Federation Cup, officially begins this Sunday across designated centers in the state. The event drew a heavy presence of football royalty, including ex-internationals led by Engr. Waidi Akanni, alongside club owners and administrators.

​As the 77 teams battle for the Eyo-inspired silverware, the LSFA has confirmed that a three-foot “Giant Trophy” will be permanently housed with the Governor of Lagos State, while the 1.5-foot version will be presented annually to the champions—ensuring the legacy of the “Lagos War Memorial Cup,” founded in 1918, remains firmly rooted in the state’s future.