Lagos Government Honours Dazzle FC After Historic Dana Cup Triumph in Denmark

By Dorcas Francis Koji

The Lagos State Government has hosted Dazzle Football Club following the team’s impressive performance at the 2026 Dana Cup in Hjørring, Denmark, where the young Nigerian side returned home with gold and silver medals.

Dazzle FC was received on Tuesday at the Lagos State Sports Commission’s office inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu.

The club made an impressive debut at the international youth tournament, with its U-12 team winning gold while the U-14 side finished as runners-up.

The outstanding performance was further highlighted by Toheeb Ojerinde, who was named Most Valuable Player of the U-14 category.

Congratulating the players and technical crew, Fatodu praised Dazzle FC for putting Lagos and Nigeria in the spotlight and demonstrating the potential of young Nigerian footballers on the international stage.

Fatodu said the reception reflected the state and country’s commitment to recognising young athletes who excel in their respective fields.

“The ecosystem, actually championed by the President, is such that when you do well, a grateful state and nation receive you. This is the manifestation of that word this morning,” Fatodu said.

He also described the team’s achievement as a source of inspiration for other young people across Lagos and Nigeria.

“Without statistical information, your group is just a drop in the ocean when we talk of over 22 million population in Lagos and 200 million in Nigeria. Imagine when the drop creates a significant ripple. That is what you have done, and that ripple is what is going to inspire other people,” he added.

Dazzle FC’s U-12 team enjoyed a remarkable campaign, winning all nine of its matches, scoring 56 goals and conceding just six.

The young side defeated Brazil’s RS Sports 2-1 in the semi-final before securing a 1-0 victory over Mexico’s IFAC after extra time in the final. Akinremi Abdullahi scored the decisive goal to seal the championship.

The U-14 team also advanced to the final but suffered a 5-3 defeat on penalties to Palestine’s Rawahel after the match ended in a draw.

Despite missing out on the U-14 title, Ojerinde enjoyed an outstanding individual campaign and was recognised as the category’s Most Valuable Player. He also kept three clean sheets in five matches.

The Dana Cup success represents another notable achievement for Dazzle FC and underlines the growing potential of grassroots football development in Lagos.

Fatodu reaffirmed the Lagos State Sports Commission’s commitment to identifying and nurturing sporting talent, empowering young people and creating pathways for aspiring athletes to develop into future champions.