The landscape of Nigerian grassroots football changed forever as the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) officially inked a transformative Exclusive Broadcast Rights and Production Agreement with Cloud Sports Limited. This isn’t just a contract; it is a high-octane leap into a new era of professionalism, visibility, and commercial viability for the beautiful game in Africa’s most populous city.
Recognizing that Lagos football is a “billion-naira industry” currently hindered by structural bottlenecks, LSFA Chairman Hajji Gafar Liameed has spearheaded this strategic alliance to dismantle those barriers. The three-year partnership, valued at a staggering ₦100 million, is designed to professionalize the Lagos FA Cup and turn it into a premier media product.
Under this exclusive mandate, Cloud Sports Limited will take the helm of all broadcasting and production logistics.
Bringing the grit and glory of the Lagos FA Cup directly to screens across the globe and curated content designed to showcase the immense talent brewing in the grassroots.
Shifting the narrative of local football to attract global sponsors and high-stakes investors.
What sets this agreement apart is its Hybrid Investment Model. This partnership isn’t just about cameras and microphones; it’s about equipping the clubs at the foundational level. The ₦100 million value is distributed through a mix of direct capital and essential value-in-kind contributions:
To ensure high standards of play, Cloud Sports is providing 300 professional-grade footballs to be distributed among 79 affiliated clubs. In a move to modernize club communications, the deal includes a one-day intensive professional training program. This workshop is specifically designed for the 79 Media Officers of clubs registered for the 2025/2026 Lagos FA Cup, ensuring the league’s digital footprint matches its on-field talent.
Reflecting on the magnitude of the deal, LSFA Chairman Hajji Gafar Liameed expressed a profound sense of optimism and responsibility:
”On behalf of the Lagos State Football Association, I sincerely appreciate Cloud Sports for their confidence, investment, and shared vision for the growth of football in Lagos. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for grassroots football broadcasting and content production in Nigeria.”
”Lagos State Football is a billion-naira business, but our peculiar challenges hamper that growth. Our determination as custodians of the beautiful game is to continue the rollercoaster of positives we have created and unlock the true commercial value of our players and clubs.”
What This Means for the Community
For the players, this is a chance to be seen by scouts worldwide. For the fans, it is an invitation to engage with their local heroes like never before. And for the 79 affiliated clubs, it represents a professional lifeline that provides the tools and the stage to compete at the highest level.
This partnership signals to the world that Lagos is no longer just playing football—it is packaging football for a global market.
