Lagos FA Supports F2G Tournament, Youth Empowerment Initiative

Motiva Sports has officially launched the Footprints to Greatness F2G Football Tournament & Youth Empowerment Program, an initiative designed to develop young Nigerian talents both on and off the field. The program has received full endorsement from the Lagos State Football Association LSFA, recognizing its potential to shape the future of youths through football, vocational training, and life skills development.

Set to kick off later this month with a symposium, the initiative targets individuals aged 16-25, providing them with structured mentorship, football competitions, and professional growth opportunities.

LSFA Chairman, Alhaji Liameed Gafar, praised the project, Football is more than a game it is a tool for social change. This initiative provides young talents the chance to develop their skills while also gaining knowledge that will serve them beyond football.”

The F2G initiative blends competitive football with vocational training, including digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and skilled trades. It also features workshops in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and career mentorship to ensure participants are well-prepared for future challenges.

The tournament will be structured across the IBILE Zones Island, Badagry, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and Epe allowing teams to compete within their regions before advancing to the grand stage. The best teams from each zone will progress to the final rounds, offering players a chance to showcase their talent to scouts, FIFA-licensed agents, and technical directors.

Football legends such as Chief Segun Odegbami, Etim Esin, and Ifeanyi Udeze will headline the opening symposium, sharing insights on professional success and youth development.

In addition, Motiva Sports has partnered with key government agencies, including the Lagos State Sports Commission, the Ministry of Youth &amp Social Development, and the Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, ensuring the program’s long-term impact.
The F2G Cup is scheduled to begin in April 2025 and promises to be a transformational platform for Nigerian youth.

Editorial

The Footprints to Greatness F2G Football Tournament is more than just a competition it is a game changing initiative that could shape the future of Nigerian football and youth development.

Football has always been a powerful tool for inspiration and social mobility, but the F2G program goes beyond the pitch, integrating life skills and career development into its structure. This approach is exactly what Nigerian football needs an emphasis on nurturing young talents holistically, rather than just focusing on athletic ability.

We strongly believe that youth empowerment programs like this should be replicated across Nigeria. Too many talented players have struggled after their careers due to a lack of financial literacy, professional skills, or educational opportunities. By equipping participants with vocational training and mentorship, F2G ensures that young footballers have multiple career pathways, whether they succeed in football or pivot to other fields.

This initiative creates a structured scouting network that could help Nigerian clubs and national teams identify future stars early. Instead of waiting for players to be discovered randomly, programs like this provide an organized talent pipeline that allows scouts and coaches to track player progress from a young age.

The endorsement from Lagos FA and key government bodies further solidifies the credibility of the initiative. If successful, F2G could become a model for other states and even attract international partnerships, boosting Nigeria’s football infrastructure.

With football legends like Segun Odegbami and Ifeanyi Udeze involved, the program also connects young players with experienced professionals who can mentor and guide them toward a successful career.

In the coming years, we expect to see more football academies and grassroots programs take inspiration from F2G. The combination of sports, education, and life skills development should become the new standard for youth programs in Nigeria.

Did You Know?

1. Lagos State has produced some of Nigeria’s greatest football talents, including Jay-Jay Okocha, Segun Odegbami, and Teslim Balogun.
2. The FIFA U17 World Cup-winning Nigerian teams of 2007 and 2013 featured players who were scouted through grassroots tournaments.
3. In many European football academies, players are required to continue their education while training professionally, ensuring they have career options beyond football.
4. Football is one of the largest job-creating industries globally, with opportunities ranging from coaching and media to sports management and analytics.
5. Women’s football in Nigeria is growing rapidly, and programs like F2G will help bridge the gender gap by providing more opportunities for female players.