BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
The much anticipated Badagry Divisional Football League tagged ‘BDFA-RAK League would commence on Saturday across four centres in Badagry division.
A total of 38 are expected to participate in this year’s league, being sponsored by RAK Foundation and organised by Badagry Divisional Football Association (BDFA.)
Organisers have decided to use four zones under Badagry division such as Badagry, Amuwo-Odofin, Oto-Awori and Ojo zones.Matches would be played more than six sport centres across the four zones.
Three matches have been lined up on Saturday at the Nigerian French Village sports Centre at the Badagry zone. Roms FC face Mopson Athletic Academy by 11am, Young Talent FC tackle 36 Lion FA by 1pm as Supreme Heroes battle Rikay FC by 3pm.
Matches would hold across various zones as from next week simultaneously,while teams are fully ready for the new season.
Chairman Organising Committee, Sherrif Tijani expressed division’s readiness to organise a successful league and urged the participants to always abide the rules governing the league.
Tijani also assured the participants fair officiating and good organisation noted that they have assigned qualified match cordinators to various match venues throughout the league.
He said the current league management committee is committed and ready to ensure that this year’s edition surpass the previous editions.
He admonished the club owners, coaches and managers to steer clear from any social vices that can bring the league into disrepute saying that anybody found wanting during or after the match would face serious sanctions from the disciplinary committee of BDFA.
At the press conference held recently the sponsor, who doubles as Pioneer of RAK Development Foundation, Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende, who is also the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State, explained that the league has produced outstanding football talents who have gone on to achieve success at both national and international levels. Notably, Solomon Agbalaka progressed to play for FC Sochi in Russia, while Olawonyi Ibrahim has continued his professional career in Turkey.
The RAK League according to him, has also contributed immensely to the development of coaches. Coaches such as Olusoji Sunday and Sheriff Tijani have advanced to manage clubs in the Nigeria National League (NNL), while Coach Frank has secured a coaching role with Ikorodu City FC in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Speaking further Ogunlende noted that several teams that featured in the RAK League have continued to grow competitively. Emaljus FC, SC Heritage FC, Chekas United FC, ECAS FC, and Power of the Cross FC now compete in the Lagos State League, while Roro FC and Young Stars FC have earned places in the Nationwide League One (NLO), showcasing the league as a stepping stone for ambitious football clubs.
He added that the league has equally served as a breeding ground for match officials including Ashade Senami, Olarenwaju Clement, Ese Williams, Ojo, and Lious Vid saying that they have progressed to officiate in Nigeria’s national leagues, further highlighting the RAK League’s contribution to the overall development of football stakeholders.
“We were delighted to witness four teams from previous championship-winning teams being shortlisted for the prestigious 1xBet Tournament, further confirming that grassroots football remains the strongest pathway to professional success.These achievements reaffirm our conviction that investing in grassroots sports is not merely funding a tournament. it is investing in dreams, careers, economic opportunities and the future of our communities.
“As the Pioneer of the RAK Development Foundation, I firmly believe that sports remain one of the most effective platforms for combating youth unemployment, reducing social vices, promoting healthy living and fostering peaceful coexistence. Every football pitch has the potential to produce not only the next football superstar but also disciplined leaders, responsible citizens and positive role model, “he said.
While the RAK Development Foundation has remained committed to sustaining this competition over the years, Ogunlende also noted that the continued growth of the BDFA–RAK League requires broader collaboration and increased investment.
“I therefore wish to throw a challenge to the leadership of the Badagry Development Football Association to leverage the impressive success story of this competition in attracting corporate sponsorships from both local and international organizations.
“I am confident that with a well-articulated sponsorship strategy, stronger institutional partnerships and effective promotion, future editions of this competition can attract significant corporate investment, resulting in improved prize money, enhanced logistics, better playing facilities, increased media coverage, player insurance, coaching development and wider scouting opportunities for our talented youths, “he said.
Ogunlende who doubles as Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development said his vision should be to transform the BDFA–RAK League into the foremost grassroots football competition not only in Lagos State but one that will become a benchmark for grassroots football development across Nigeria and West Africa. According to him,this is a vision that is achievable if government, the private sector, football administrators and our communities work together.
He admonished the participating teams to compete with discipline, integrity, respect and the true spirit of sportsmanship.He quickly reminded them that while trophies may be won by a few, character, friendships and lifelong opportunities are available to everyone who participates with dedication and excellence.
“I sincerely appreciate the Badagry Development Football Association, the organizing committee, our coaches, referees, volunteers, security agencies, community leaders, supporters and every stakeholder whose commitment has contributed to the continued success of this competition.
“As we officially declare open the 6th Edition of the BDFA–RAK League, I pray for a successful, peaceful and memorable tournament, free from injuries and filled with moments that will continue to inspire the next generation of football talents.
“Together, let us continue to build a stronger Badagry through sports, empower our youths, promote gender equality, and create opportunities that will positively transform lives for generations to come.Thank you, and may God bless the BDFA–RAK League, the RAK Development Foundation, Badagry Division, Lagos State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “he concluded.
x
Sunday Akintoye
The much anticipated Badagry Divisional Football League tagged ‘BDFA-RAK League would commence on Saturday across four centres in Badagry division.
A total of 38 are expected to participate in this year’s league being sponsored by RAK Foundation and organised by Badagry Divisional Football Association.BDFA.
Organisers have decided to use four zones under Badagry division such as Badagry, Amuwo-Odofin, Oto-Awori and Ojo zones.Matches would be played more than six sport centres across the four zones.
Three matches have been lined up on Saturday at the Nigerian French Village sports Centre at the Badagry zone. Roms FC face Mopson Athletic Academy by 11am, Young Talent FC tackle 36 Lion FA by 1pm as Supreme Heroes battle Rikay FC by 3pm.
Matches would hold across various zones as from next week simultaneously,while teams are fully ready for the new season.
Chairman Organising Committee, Sherrif Tijani expressed division’s readiness to organise a successful league and urged the participants to always abide the rules governing the league.
Tijani also assured the participants fair officiating and good organisation noted that they have assigned qualified match cordinators to various match venues throughout the league.
He said the current league management committee is committed and ready to ensure that this year’s edition surpass the previous editions.
He admonished the club owners, coaches and managers to steer clear from any social vices that can bring the league into disrepute saying that anybody found wanting during or after the match would face serious sanctions from the disciplinary committee of BDFA.
At the press conference held recently the sponsor, who doubles as Pioneer of RAK Development Foundation, Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende explained that the league has produced outstanding football talents who have gone on to achieve success at both national and international levels. Notably, Solomon Agbalaka progressed to play for FC Sochi in Russia, while Olawonyi Ibrahim has continued his professional career in Turkey.
The RAK League according to him, has also contributed immensely to the development of coaches. Coaches such as Olusoji Sunday and Sheriff Tijani have advanced to manage clubs in the Nigeria National League (NNL), while Coach Frank has secured a coaching role with Ikorodu City FC in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Speaking further Ogunlende noted that several teams that featured in the RAK League have continued to grow competitively. Emaljus FC, SC Heritage FC, Chekas United FC, ECAS FC, and Power of the Cross FC now compete in the Lagos State League, while Roro FC and Young Stars FC have earned places in the Nationwide League One (NLO), showcasing the league as a stepping stone for ambitious football clubs.
He added that the league has equally served as a breeding ground for match officials including Ashade Senami, Olarenwaju Clement, Ese Williams, Ojo, and Lious Vid saying that they have progressed to officiate in Nigeria’s national leagues, further highlighting the RAK League’s contribution to the overall development of football stakeholders.
“We were delighted to witness four teams from previous championship-winning teams being shortlisted for the prestigious 1xBet Tournament, further confirming that grassroots football remains the strongest pathway to professional success.These achievements reaffirm our conviction that investing in grassroots sports is not merely funding a tournament. it is investing in dreams, careers, economic opportunities and the future of our communities.
“As the Pioneer of the RAK Development Foundation, I firmly believe that sports remain one of the most effective platforms for combating youth unemployment, reducing social vices, promoting healthy living and fostering peaceful coexistence. Every football pitch has the potential to produce not only the next football superstar but also disciplined leaders, responsible citizens and positive role model, “he said.
While the RAK Development Foundation has remained committed to sustaining this competition over the years, Ogunlende also noted that the continued growth of the BDFA–RAK League requires broader collaboration and increased investment.
“I therefore wish to throw a challenge to the leadership of the Badagry Development Football Association to leverage the impressive success story of this competition in attracting corporate sponsorships from both local and international organizations.
“I am confident that with a well-articulated sponsorship strategy, stronger institutional partnerships and effective promotion, future editions of this competition can attract significant corporate investment, resulting in improved prize money, enhanced logistics, better playing facilities, increased media coverage, player insurance, coaching development and wider scouting opportunities for our talented youths, “he said.
Ogunlende who doubles as Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development said his vision should be to transform the BDFA–RAK League into the foremost grassroots football competition not only in Lagos State but one that will become a benchmark for grassroots football development across Nigeria and West Africa. According to him,this is a vision that is achievable if government, the private sector, football administrators and our communities work together.
He admonished the participating teams to compete with discipline, integrity, respect and the true spirit of sportsmanship.He quickly reminded them that while trophies may be won by a few, character, friendships and lifelong opportunities are available to everyone who participates with dedication and excellence.
“I sincerely appreciate the Badagry Development Football Association, the organizing committee, our coaches, referees, volunteers, security agencies, community leaders, supporters and every stakeholder whose commitment has contributed to the continued success of this competition.
“As we officially declare open the 6th Edition of the BDFA–RAK League, I pray for a successful, peaceful and memorable tournament, free from injuries and filled with moments that will continue to inspire the next generation of football talents.
“Together, let us continue to build a stronger Badagry through sports, empower our youths, promote gender equality, and create opportunities that will positively transform lives for generations to come.Thank you, and may God bless the BDFA–RAK League, the RAK Development Foundation, Badagry Division, Lagos State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “he concluded.