_Commends Junior 7s, Summer Camp, and U-16 League as Model for Grassroots Football Growth_
*Lagos, Nigeria – July 25, 2026*
The Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, *Hajji Liameed Gafar*, over the weekend threw his full weight behind the developmental projects being driven by the *Nathaniel Idowu Foundation* under the guidance of *Chief Yemi Idowu*.
Hajji Gafar gave the endorsement during a courtesy visit to the foundation’s secretariat, where he was briefed on the foundation’s flagship programmes aimed at redefining grassroots football in Lagos State.
The endorsed projects include:
1. *The Nathaniel Idowu Junior 7s for Secondary Schools in Lagos State* – A grassroots tournament focused on early talent discovery
2. *The Nathaniel Idowu Summer Camp 1.0* – A 4-week intensive camp for 321 young athletes combining sports, education, health and leadership training
3. *The Nathaniel Idowu Under-16 Football League* – A structured league designed to bridge the gap between academy football and elite competition
Speaking at the event, the Lagos FA boss lauded the foundation for its commitment to youth development and for putting structures in place that align with the FA’s mandate.
> “What the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation is doing is exactly what grassroots football needs. These projects – the Junior 7s, the Summer Camp, and the U-16 League – are not just competitions. They are platforms for building character, education, and the future of Nigerian football,” *Hajji Gafar* stated.
He particularly commended the decision to *engage seasoned and Lagos/ NFF-certified coaches for the Summer Camp*, noting that quality coaching at the grassroots level is key to producing players who can compete globally.
Hajji Gafar also applauded *Peakline Sports World Limited*, under the leadership of *McAnthony Anaelechukwu*, for its professionalism and drive in the organization and delivery of all the events.
> “Peakline Sports World has consistently set a higher standard in grassroots sports development since 2000. Their execution of these programmes has been top-notch and deserves commendation,” he added.
In a major boost, the *Lagos State Football Association* pledged its *technical support* for all the foundation’s projects. This includes provision of referees, technical observers, coaching support, and alignment with state FA development pathways.
*Chief Yemi Idowu*, on behalf of the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, thanked the Lagos FA Chairman for the endorsement and assured that the foundation remains committed to using _Education, Health, and Sport_ as tools to empower the next generation.
The *Nathaniel Idowu Summer Camp 1.0* is scheduled to hold at the New Maracana Sports Complex from August 3 to 28, 2026, while the *Nathaniel Idowu Junior 7s* and *U-16 League* will run across two centres in Lagos State, the Nathaniel Idowu Football Pitch and the New Maracana Sports Complex.
