By Esther Onyegbula

Youths in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, are set to host the third edition of the Daduro Mid-night Street Soccer League, a community-driven three-a-side football tournament aimed at engaging young people and promoting unity across communities.

The competition, which kicks off at midnight on Saturday, May 2, is expected to draw participants from across Lagos communities including Mushin, Ikorodu, Oshodi, Agege and Alagbado.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, the Founder of the tournament, Mr. Saheed Adepitan, described the initiative as a platform designed to empower youths through structured and safe sporting activities.

“Daduro night street soccer is not just a football tourney; it is a community-driven, youth-led initiative designed to engage and empower young talent through structured, safe and exciting night sports,” he said.

According to him, the competition has grown significantly since its inception, evolving into a strong platform for youth development, entertainment and community bonding.

“This is the third edition. The competition has grown into a powerful platform for youth development, entertainment and community connections. We have 16 teams participating this year, with an estimated 1,000 spectators expected per match night,” Adepitan added.
He noted that previous editions generated over one million media impressions, reflecting the increasing visibility and impact of the tournament.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Tournament Committee, Mr. Musbau Olamilekan, said the initiative was designed to provide a positive alternative for youths and curb social vices.
“The 2026 tourney will encourage positive youth engagement by providing a compelling alternative to idleness and negative influences,” he said.

Olamilekan added that the tournament also offers significant visibility opportunities for sponsors due to its large youth audience and growing digital reach.
“Our crowd is young, energetic and digitally connected. Partnering with us means connecting directly with the heartbeat of Alausa youth population,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the enabling environment in Alausa has contributed to the success of youth-focused initiatives.

“The togetherness we enjoy today in Alausa across lines of ethnicity, religion and social status is a direct reflection of the President’s vision for a united Nigeria,” he said.
On incentives, Olamilekan disclosed that the second runner-up would receive N500,000, while the winner would take home N800,000.
“Playing football is a normal thing, but playing it at night makes it unique and exciting for the teams and spectators,” he added.
The tournament’s Sports Director, Mr. Ganiyu Ajenifuja, said the 2026 edition would be bigger, with improved structure and increased digital engagement.
“We are going live streaming and attracting close to 40,000 viewers per match. This shows the level of interest and how far the competition has grown,” he said.

Ajenifuja explained that the matches would follow standard football rules, with modifications suited to the three-a-side format.
“The difference is that this is a three-aside competition with no penalties, and each game lasts 15 minutes per half,” he said.
In her remarks, the Media Director, Ms. Bukola Lawal, expressed optimism about the success of the third edition, citing the achievements of previous seasons.

“We’ve been doing this for two years and it has been successful all the way, from the players to the communities and supporters. Social media has helped us gain more visibility beyond the immediate community,” she said.
Lawal added that new features would be introduced to enhance the overall experience for players and spectators.

“We are bringing in new ideas this season, and everyone, from the teams to the fans, will enjoy a bigger and better tournament,” she said.
She, however, appealed to fans to maintain peace and unity throughout the competition.
“We urge all spectators to work hand in hand to ensure a peaceful and successful tournament,” she added.