The Lagos State Sports Commission has entered into a new partnership with Abbey Rangers FC, a long-standing community football club in the United Kingdom, in what officials described as a landmark move for grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday at the Commission’s office inside Teslim Balogun Stadium, marking the first time a Nigerian state sports body is formalising a structured collaboration with a UK community football club.
Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said the partnership is aimed at strengthening football development at the grassroots level, while also creating pathways for talent identification, coaching development, and sports science training.
According to him, the initiative reflects Lagos’ commitment to building a more organised sports ecosystem that gives young athletes better opportunities at home.
“At Lagos Sports Commission, we are aware of our responsibilities, and there is the need to learn and learn. This is the first time any state in Nigeria is keying into this kind of community football partnership and it is historic for us,” he said.
Fatodu added that the programme is also expected to help reduce youth migration pressures by creating structured opportunities locally.
“What Lagos is bringing into this partnership is integrity and sincerity because Abbey Rangers FC, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, deserves a better deal in Nigeria,” he added.
Chairman of Abbey Rangers FC, Nick Riley, said the club’s mission is to identify and develop hidden football talents while building long-term sporting structures.
“Our mission in Africa is to search for those hidden talents, and we are proud to partner with the Lagos Sports Commission,” he said.
He explained that the partnership is not designed for short-term results but for long-term impact.
“We build a legacy that will last for generations. What we are starting with Lagos is a journey that will not end in two or three years,” Riley said, adding that he was impressed by young talents observed during a recent youth tournament in Lagos.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the agreement as another milestone in the state’s growing sports development agenda.
He noted that under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, Lagos has recorded several firsts in youth and sports development, adding that the focus remains on creating opportunities and building skills among young people.
Representing the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Simon Field welcomed the partnership, describing it as a strong reflection of the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
He also highlighted the growing presence of Nigerian players in the English Premier League, expressing optimism that the collaboration would help produce more talents who could succeed internationally.
The agreement is expected to cover talent scouting, technical training exchanges, and youth development programmes aimed at strengthening football structures in Lagos State.
