Waheed Salaudeen, CEO of Buruj Football Academy and Buruj Football Club, has donated hundreds of thousands of naira to the Lagos State girls’ football team, which recently triumphed at the National Youth Games in Delta State. The announcement was made during the Lagos State Annual General Assembly Football Town Hall Meeting on 21st September, where Salaudeen commended the team for their talent and resilience.
This donation is a way of encouraging these girls and showing them that the football community supports them, Salaudeen remarked. The Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association LSFA, Hajji Gafar, praised Salaudeen’s contribution and emphasised the need to continue supporting young football talents in Lagos State.
The donation was met with excitement from the team, with one of the captains expressing gratitude for the recognition and support. The LSFA remains dedicated to creating more opportunities for youth footballers to excel on both national and international platforms.
Editorial
The donation from Waheed Salaudeen to the victorious Lagos State girls’ football team is a heartening reminder of the importance of nurturing young talent in Nigerian football. Youth sports have long been a breeding ground for future stars, and the recognition of their efforts, especially through tangible support like Salaudeen’s contribution, is essential in encouraging these athletes to continue pursuing their dreams.
As we reflect on the importance of financial and moral support in sports, it’s clear that the involvement of key stakeholders can make a lasting difference. When young athletes see their hard work being acknowledged, they gain motivation to push further, and that ripple effect can lead to remarkable accomplishments not just for individuals, but for the nation’s sports scene as a whole.
We believe this is the kind of backing youth football needs to flourish, not just in Lagos State but across the country. For too long, promising talents have gone unnoticed due to a lack of resources or support. Salaudeen’s gesture should inspire more individuals and organisations to step forward and invest in the future of Nigerian football.
Did You Know?
- The National Youth Games were established in 2013 to promote grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
- The Lagos State girls’ football team has consistently performed well in regional youth competitions.
- Waheed Salaudeen’s Buruj Football Academy has produced numerous players who have gone on to feature in national and international tournaments.
- Football is the most popular sport among girls in Lagos State, with increasing participation in youth leagues.
- The National Youth Games include over 20 sports, providing young athletes with a platform to showcase their talents.
