In a strategic move to expand its grassroots football footprint across Nigeria, AfriSportPro Limited—organisers of the AfriSportPro Youth League—has initiated discussions with the Lagos State Football Association (Lagos FA) to include the state in its inaugural league season.

During a courtesy visit to the Lagos FA board, led by Chairman Hajji Liameed Gafar, AfriSportPro Founder and CEO, Chukwuebuka Ugwu, expressed optimism about Lagos joining the league’s six pilot states, each representing one of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

“Our visit to the Lagos FA was part of our engagement with South West states to include one state in our first six pilot states,” Ugwu said. “We believe Lagos is the biggest football hub in Nigeria and a model of football administration, so we identified the state as our first point of contact in the region to join our inaugural season.”

Ugwu, who also chairs the AfriSportPro Youth League Advisory Board, noted that the meeting was long-anticipated and highly productive. “We discussed the state of Nigerian football and the problems our league aims to address, particularly at the grassroots level. The Lagos FA was happy and enthusiastic about our idea.”

He added, “They have shown interest in joining our league, pending further discussions. We got a lot of great advice and encouragement from the FA, especially from the Chairman, Hajji Gafar.”

In response, Gafar praised the initiative: “Thank you for embarking on a mission to improve Nigerian grassroots football. Your idea is a great initiative, and the Lagos State FA will vote to sanction the league in the state if the state FA’s questions are clearly addressed in the next discussions.”

While Lagos FA did not offer immediate endorsement, Ugwu confirmed that talks are also ongoing with other South West states. “It will be a case of first come, first served for this inaugural season as we look to admit the first state ready to host the league. As we expand, we will include more states from all zones.”