The Lagos State Government has received Dazzle Football Club following the team’s impressive performance at the 2026 Dana Cup in Denmark, where it won gold in the U-12 category and silver in the U-14 category.
The team was received on Tuesday at the Lagos State Sports Commission’s office at the Teslim Balogun Stadium by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu.
Dazzle FC made an impressive debut at the Dana Cup in Hjørring, Denmark, with its U-12 team emerging champions while the U-14 side finished as runners-up.
The club also produced the Most Valuable Player of the U-14 category, with Toheeb Ojerinde receiving the individual award after an outstanding tournament.
Congratulating the players and technical crew, Fatodu commended the team for representing Lagos and Nigeria strongly on the international stage.
He said the achievement demonstrated the potential of young Nigerian athletes and could encourage other young people to pursue their talents.
“The ecosystem, actually championed by the President, is such that when you do well, a grateful state and nation receive you. This is the manifestation of that word this morning,” Fatodu said.
He added that the team’s performance could create a wider impact among young people across Lagos and Nigeria.
“Without statistical information, your group is just a drop in the ocean when we talk of over 22 million population in Lagos and 200 million in Nigeria. Imagine when the drop creates a significant ripple. That is what you have done, and that ripple is what is going to inspire other people,” he said.
The U-12 team recorded an impressive campaign at the tournament, winning all nine of its matches.
The team scored 56 goals and conceded only six throughout the competition, demonstrating its attacking strength and defensive discipline.
Dazzle FC defeated Brazil’s RS Sports 2-1 in the semi-final before securing the championship with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Mexico’s IFAC in the final.
Akinremi Abdullahi scored the decisive goal that secured the U-12 title for the Nigerian team.
The U-14 side also advanced to the final but narrowly missed out on the gold medal after losing 5-3 on penalties to Palestine’s Rawahel following a draw in regulation play.
Despite the final defeat, Ojerinde was recognised as the Most Valuable Player of the U-14 category after keeping three clean sheets in five matches.
The performances earned Dazzle FC recognition from the Lagos State Government, which said the achievement highlighted the importance of continued investment in youth sports development.
Fatodu reaffirmed the Lagos State Sports Commission’s commitment to identifying and nurturing sporting talent, empowering young people and supporting the development of future champions.
The government’s reception of the team also underscored the growing emphasis on using sporting achievements to inspire young Lagosians and provide pathways for young athletes to compete at international level.
