The dominance of Lagos in grassroots football was once again on display at the recently concluded National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, as the Lagos female football team clinched their fifth consecutive gold medal. The victory came after a nail-biting 5-4 penalty shootout win against the host state, Delta.
For Yemisi Cole, popularly known as the First Lady of Lagos Football, the result was not a surprise but a confirmation of Lagos’ well-established tradition of nurturing football talent. Cole, who represents the interests of girls and women on the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Board, expressed immense pride in the achievement, stressing that the success reflects the deliberate structures Lagos has built over time.
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“I am not surprised that my girls won the gold medal after defeating Delta State. This is the fifth consecutive time, and it is not a fluke. Development is what we know how to do best in Lagos. Most of the girls playing in the Nigerian League and even abroad were discovered, nurtured, and produced here in Lagos,” Cole told Awijare News.
She highlighted that Lagos’ contribution to women’s football is unmatched, with about 90% of professional female players in Nigeria having roots in the state. Cole also emphasized that while Lagos does not always dominate in senior-level sports festivals, the youth category has consistently been their stronghold.
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“When it comes to youth games, I don’t even need to be there to worry. I trust my girls because this is what they are known for. Winning it five times in a row is no child’s play. I would only be surprised if they failed to win,” she said.
Beyond the National Youth Games, Cole pointed to the Lagos State FA’s commitment to grassroots programs. In 2025 alone, the FA has organized male and female youth leagues and the State League and created an enabling environment for privately run competitions across genders.
This ecosystem, she explained, is the foundation of Lagos’ consistent excellence.
Cole concluded by congratulating both the female team and their coaches for lifting the gold and extended commendation to the Lagos boys’ team, who secured third place in their own category.
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“I want to congratulate the girls and their coaches. They have done very well. The boys also came third, and they deserve kudos too,” she added.
With yet another gold medal secured, Lagos has solidified its reputation as the heartbeat of grassroots football in Nigeria, and Yemisi Cole remains one of its loudest champions.
