The Lily Legends Sports Academy on Sunday, 31st August 2025, held its second summer edition 5-a-side football tournament at the Ajao Estate Primary School field, Lagos.
The event was declared open by the CEO of the academy and ex-international footballer, Amarachi Lilian Ezeabasili. She noted that the academy remains committed to mentoring young children through sports. While describing the academy as modest in outlook, she stressed that its efforts are increasingly being recognized, with officials of the Nigerian Football Federation showing interest in their activities.
Ezeabasili added that with 24 sports academies participating in two weeks of competition, the tournament proved highly impressive. She, however, appealed for stronger partnerships from government and private institutions to support their largely self-funded programs, which aim not only to groom future footballers but also to equip them with valuable life and vocational skills.
The president of the Nigerian Mini Football Association, Alhaji Baba Yusuf, praised the initiative, describing it as innovative and in line with the global growth of mini football. He commended the academy for focusing on the youngest age categories, from under-8 to under-19 and called for collective support from all stakeholders to sustain such developmental programs.
The event featured final matches, trophy and medal presentations to outstanding teams and a promise of an even bigger edition in 2026.
