Lagos Queens Cup Signals Bright Future for Women’s Football in Nigeria

By

Princewill Oviesan Deduke

The successful staging of the maiden Lagos Queens Cup has offered yet another compelling indication that the future of women’s football in Nigeria is exceptionally promising. Beyond being a competition, the tournament has emerged as a valuable platform for talent identification, player development and international exposure for young female footballers.

When the initiative was first introduced, there were some reservations about its viability and long-term sustainability. However, as the tournament progressed, those concerns were quickly dispelled. The quality of play, level of organisation and depth of talent on display exceeded expectations, establishing the Lagos Queens Cup as one of the most notable grassroots women’s football competitions to emerge in recent years.

Perhaps the tournament’s most significant achievement was the identification of 29 outstanding players who have been pre-selected by international scouts and are expected to travel to Europe in the coming months for trials and potential professional contracts. This development represents a major milestone for the players and further reinforces Lagos’ status as a leading hub for football talent development in Nigeria.

The selected players were drawn from all eight participating clubs, underscoring the breadth of talent across the competition. Ayisat Yusuf Football Academy and Asisat Oshoala Academy produced five players each, while Robo Queens FC, CATS Ladies FC, Dannaz Ladies FC and FC Victory Queens each contributed four players. Nakamura Football Academy had two players selected, while DreamStars Ladies FC produced one player.

The tournament concluded appropriately with Robo Queens FC emerging as champions of the inaugural Lagos Queens Cup, adding another impressive achievement to the club’s distinguished record of developing elite female footballers.

The success of the competition also reflects the growing commitment of the Lagos State Football Association to the advancement of the women’s game. Under the leadership of its current administration, the association has continued to create opportunities for female football to flourish through quality competitions, grassroots development programmes and strategic partnerships. Its approach has demonstrated that investment in women’s football is not only about winning trophies, but also about creating pathways for young girls to pursue education, careers and personal growth through sport.

Equally deserving of recognition are the participating clubs—Robo Queens FC, CATS Ladies FC, Ayisat Yusuf Football Academy, Asisat Oshoala Academy, Nakamura Football Academy, Dannaz Ladies FC, DreamStars Ladies FC and FC Victory Queens. Through years of dedicated coaching, mentorship and investment in youth development, these clubs continue to provide a strong foundation for the next generation of Nigerian female football stars.

The organisers also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Lagos State Football Association ably  chaired by Alhaji lamidi Gafar, club proprietors, coaches and technical officials, whose collective efforts ensured the success of the maiden edition.

Significant contributions also came from the tournament’s partners and investors, including the Ayisat Yusuf Foundation, Diego Nakamura Group of Companies, 36 Lion Investment, Africa Football Empowerment Congress and Herizon Sports Initiative. Their involvement reflects the growing confidence of the private sector in the immense potential of women’s football.

Beyond producing champions, the Lagos Queens Cup has demonstrated what can be achieved when football administrators, investors, academies and development partners unite around a shared vision. It has become a launchpad for young talents, providing exposure that could help transform promising footballers into international professionals.

As Nigeria continues to pursue greater success in women’s football on the continental and global stage, initiatives such as the Lagos Queens Cup will remain essential to building a sustainable pipeline of talent. The tournament has not only showcased the abundance of gifted players in Lagos, but has also reinforced the state’s position as a leading force in the development of women’s football in the country.

If the success of this maiden edition is anything to go by, the Lagos Queens Cup is set to become an annual football festival that will continue to inspire young girls, strengthen grassroots football and contribute meaningfully to the continued rise of women’s football in Nigeria.

Indeed, the message from Lagos is unmistakable—the future of Nigerian women’s football has never looked more promising.