Lagos state government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been praised for its strive towards addressing the sports, and especially football development infrastructural deficit in the state.

Speaking with newsmen in Ilorin on Wednesday March 19, 2025, the Lagos State FA Chairman, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed said that it’s a bit challenging coping with the huge numbers of teams in Lagos, especially having enough pitch to train and play matches.

He however, said that the challenges will soon be a thing of the past going by the tremendous efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, even as he added that efforts are also on to have all Local Government Areas have a mini stadium.

“Lagos state government is doing its best. The state recently commissioned a mini stadium in Elegbata, in the Island area, and about five more will be commissioned between now and May this year. It’s a win-win situation for us. We have a Governor that loves sports.

Added to all these, the Agege Stadium will be ready for use very soon, as the renovation is nearing completion. The Teslim Balogun Stadium too is undergoing massive renovation. When completed, the Super Eagles will be back in Lagos for Nigeria home games.

Hajji Gafar, who is the he CEO/Chairman of 36 Lions of Lagos added that, “I always tell people that everything that is good in football in Africa starts from Lagos, the Centre of Excellence.

“Sometimes it’s challenging, but it’s what we do everyday; it’s about youth development and empowerment, especially to catch them young.

“We have pitches in virtually all the schools in Lagos, and in the state, we have about 15,000 schools. Added to all these, we need the our Local Government Areas to help out by providing the young ones the needed atmosphere in exhibiting their talents in sports.

He said that the FA in Lagos always has about the highest numbers of entries for the President Federation Cup competition, but with good organisation, playing matches poses no serious challenge to the FA.