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.
“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.
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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.
