A Lagos-based youth football academy, Dazzle FC, has announced Nigeria's grassroots football talent on the international stage after its Under-12 team won the 2026 Dana Cup in Denmark.
The youngsters emerged champions after defeating teams from 56 countries at the tournament held in Hjørring in July, winning all nine matches in the Boys' 7v7 category.
Dazzle FC scored 56 goals and conceded six throughout the competition, beating Brazil's RS Sports 2-1 in the semi-final before overcoming Mexico's IFAC 1-0 after extra time in the final.
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Akinremi Abdullahi scored the decisive goal to secure the Lagos academy's first Dana Cup title.
The academy's success was celebrated by KingMakers, which has supported KidSport, the organisation behind Dazzle FC, through various grassroots sports development initiatives.
In a statement obtained on Wednesday, KingMakers said the victory demonstrated the importance of providing young Nigerian athletes with opportunities to develop their talents and compete internationally.
Its Managing Director, Gossy Ukanwoke, said the achievement reinforced the company's commitment to grassroots sports.
"Watching these young Nigerians lift a trophy against teams from 56 countries is exactly why we invest in grassroots sport," Ukanwoke said.
"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 praised the players for their discipline and teamwork, promising continued support for initiatives that create opportunities for young athletes.
"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," he added.
KidSport founder, Bukola Alabi, described the victory as a milestone for the organisation and the children who had participated in its grassroots football programmes.
"This victory belongs to every child who has ever played in a KidSport match, on a dusty pitch or at Campos Mini Stadium," Alabi said.
"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 expressed appreciation to KingMakers for its continued backing, saying the partnership had helped the organisation identify young talents, build character and create opportunities for children across Lagos.
"We are grateful to KingMakers for believing in our children, year after year," she added.
The 2026 competition also featured another Nigerian academy, NA Royal Football Academy from Ilemona, Kwara State, which reached the final of the Boys' U18/U19 category.
NA Royal topped its group with three victories, scoring 14 goals without conceding, before defeating Tanzania's One Tanzanite in the semi-final.
The academy's participation was supported by the Elemona of Ilemona, Col. Nurudeen Yusuf Alowonle, whom it credited for providing the opportunity to travel to Denmark.
The academy also announced that it received a Grade A rating and special recognition at the tournament. However, its final result against Mali's Centre Sportif de Bamako was not provided in the available report.
KingMakers said its support for grassroots sports extended beyond KidSport to community football initiatives, including the Moet Charity Initiative's three-a-side tournament in Ikoyi and Obalende.
The company also partnered with Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government to deliver a sports complex in 2025.
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