By
Princewill Oviesan (Deduke)
The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) successfully hosted its highly anticipated draws ceremony and Media Officers Seminar yesterday, bringing together key stakeholders in Lagos football, seasoned ex-internationals, traditional rulers, and media professionals in a landmark event aimed at strengthening football and sports communication in lagos state. The 2026 Lagos FA Cup is set to kick off on Sunday across designated centres in the state, with a total of 77 clubs participating. This includes 69 teams in the male category and 8 teams in the female category.
Also speaking, Chisom Mbonu highlighted the importance of consistency and focus in modern football media operations, noting that the digital era has made media visibility a key driver of club recognition.
She further called on club owners to provide the necessary support systems to enable media departments to function effectively.
“This is a digital age where visibility defines relevance. Media officers must remain consistent and see this tournament as an opportunity to promote their clubs,” she said.
In the same vein, accomplished journalist John Joshua stressed the need for collaboration within the media ecosystem. He encouraged media officers to work closely with online platforms, traditional media, broadcasters, and content creators to amplify their reach.
“The era of working in isolation is gone. Collaboration is key in today’s fast-paced media environment. Media officers must extend their stories beyond their platforms to gain wider coverage,” he noted.
The event attracted a wide spectrum of participants, including top former Lagos footballers whose contributions to Nigerian football continue to inspire the next generation. Their presence added prestige and depth to the occasion, as they shared insights, experiences, and encouragement with younger players and administrators.
Also in attendance were revered traditional rulers, notably from Isheri Olofin and the Apa Kingdom in Apapa, Lagos. Their participation underscored the growing synergy between sports development and community leadership, highlighting the importance of cultural institutions in promoting grassroots football.
A major highlight of the event was the official draws for upcoming LSFA competitions. Clubs, academies, and grassroots teams eagerly followed proceedings as fixtures were unveiled, setting the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive football season across Lagos State. The transparent and well-organized process reflected LSFA’s commitment to fairness and professionalism.
In parallel with the draws, the Media Officers Seminar served as a crucial platform for capacity building. Media representatives from various clubs and football bodies were trained on modern sports communication practices, including digital storytelling, match reporting, branding, and fan engagement strategies.
Facilitators emphasized the importance of professionalism, accuracy, and consistency in sports reporting, especially in an era driven by social media and real-time updates. Participants were also encouraged to adopt innovative approaches to promote their teams and competitions, thereby enhancing the visibility of Lagos football on both national and international stages.
Speakers at the seminar and draws ceremony highlighted the need for collaboration among administrators, players, media personnel, and traditional institutions. The LSFA leadership reiterated its commitment to developing football from the grassroots level while ensuring that Lagos remains a hub for talent discovery and sports excellence in Nigeria.
The ex-footballers present also commended the initiative, noting that proper organization, media engagement, and community involvement are critical pillars for sustainable football development.
The presence of traditional rulers from Isheri Olofin and Apa Kingdom added a unique cultural dimension to the event. Their endorsement symbolizes strong community backing for football initiatives and reflects how sports can serve as a unifying force across diverse communities in Lagos.
The LSFA draws and Media Officers Seminar proved to be more than just a routine administrative event—it was a strategic gathering aimed at shaping the future of football in Lagos. By combining competition planning with media capacity development and community engagement, the LSFA continues to set a strong example for football administration in Nigeria.
With fixtures now set and media teams better equipped, all eyes are on the upcoming competitions, which are expected to deliver excitement, talent discovery, and further growth for Lagos football. Participants at the seminar commended the Lagos FA for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful in preparing them for the challenges ahead.
