‘Desist From Hard Drugs’ – NDLEA Warns Street Footballers as Lagos Street Soccer Season 2 Kicks Off
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged young footballers participating in the Lagos Street Soccer Stars Season 2 tournament to stay away from hard drugs, warning that substance abuse destroys careers, talents and dreams.
The warning was delivered during the official unveiling of the grassroots football competition in Oshodi on Sunday, where 32 teams received playing kits ahead of the two-week knockout tournament with over ₦5 million worth of prizes at stake.
Speaking at the event, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Mr. Ayenigbara Samuel of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Ikoyi, said footballers do not need performance-enhancing drugs to succeed.
“Footballers can perform naturally well if they abstain from hard drugs. Drug abuse is destructive. It destroys talent and dreams. We urge every participant to choose life over hard drugs,” he said.
The tournament, themed “Oshodi Hidden Talents,” is organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Grassroots Sports, Adebanji Atewogboye (SKIBANJ), in collaboration with First Bank Nigeria Plc and Sporty Lagos Naija Limited.
According to Atewogboye, the initiative goes beyond football competition, serving as a platform to identify promising grassroots talents while educating youths on the dangers of drug abuse.
He said the competition aligns with the youth development agenda of the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, adding that the programme was introduced last year to provide opportunities for talented youngsters.
“The programme is helping us discover hidden talents, give them direction and show young people that the Lagos State Government is investing in their future,” Atewogboye said.
The unveiling attracted football enthusiasts, coaches, community leaders and residents despite rainy weather.
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Chapter, Hon. Saheed Animashaun, praised the initiative, describing it as a landmark grassroots sports programme that complements Governor Sanwo-Olu’s youth empowerment efforts.
He commended Atewogboye for promoting sports development at the grassroots level and reaffirmed the party’s support for the initiative.
Action also got underway on the opening day of the tournament.
Dosunmu Street defeated Ariyibi Oke Street via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw, while Popoola Street claimed a 2-1 victory over Adeyemo Street. Amusa Street recorded a 3-1 win, while Olorunishola Street also secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Arowojobe Street.
The competition, sponsored by the Lagos State Government and First Bank Nigeria Plc, will run until August 15, 2026, with champions and outstanding performers set to receive cash rewards and other prizes.
