KingMakers has celebrated the young players of Dazzle FC, a Lagos youth academy in the KidSport family, after its U-12 team won the 2026 Dana Cup in Hjørring, Denmark.

The Lagos side beat teams from 56 countries to emerge champions of one of the world’s largest youth football tournaments in July.

KingMakers, in a statement obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday, said it was proud to have supported KidSport for several years as part of its commitment to youth development through sports.

The company has powered the annual KidSport Charity Cup at Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island, which brings together children from orphanages, schools and football academies across Lagos. The most recent edition took place in December 2025.

KidSport is also a partner in the KingMakers E-Sports Academy Kids Programme, launched in September 2025 in partnership with Carven Gaming and Reach to teach children digital skills and responsible gaming.

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Speaking on the achievement, KingMakers Managing Director, Gossy Ukanwoke, said, “Watching these young Nigerians lift a trophy against teams from 56 countries is exactly why we invest in grassroots sport. Talent is everywhere in Nigeria. What many children lack is the opportunity to play, to be coached and to be seen. KidSport gives them that, and we are proud to stand behind them.”

He added, “These boys have shown discipline, teamwork and belief on a world stage. We will keep supporting initiatives like KidSport that give young people a platform, because today’s champions at Under-12 can become tomorrow’s leaders, on and off the pitch.”

KidSport founder, Bukola Alabi, said, “This victory belongs to every child who has ever played in a KidSport match, on a dusty pitch or at Campos Mini Stadium. When we started, we wanted to use sport to give children hope and a fair chance. To see them stand on the podium in Denmark with the Nigerian flag is a dream come true.”

She added, “We are grateful to KingMakers for believing in our children, year after year. Partners like KingMakers make it possible for us to keep finding talent, building character and opening doors for young people across Lagos.”

Beyond KidSport, KingMakers backs grassroots and community football across Nigeria. Its initiatives include the Moet Charity Initiative’s three-a-side tournament in Ikoyi and Obalende, as well as a sports complex delivered in partnership with Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government in 2025.

Source: Punch · Abiodun Adewale

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World
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🇳🇬 NG
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