In a significant boost for grassroots football development, CitySports Africa successfully distributed one thousand pairs of football boots to aspiring young players in Lagos. The landmark event, dubbed the 1000 Boots Project, took place on Tuesday at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
A Dream Realised for Young Footballers
The stadium buzzed with excitement from the early hours as staff prepared for the One Child, One Boot initiative. After a screening process on a first-come, first-served basis, one thousand beneficiaries eagerly awaited their new gear. The project was made possible through key partnerships with major brands and institutions.
Addressing the crowd, CitySports Africa's Managing Director and CEO, Sola Opaleye, expressed profound gratitude to the project's sponsors. He specifically thanked TotalEnergies, Union Bank, Adidas, and Coollink for their crucial support, and also acknowledged the Bank of Industry (BOI) for its longstanding backing.
"We want to first of all thank all our partners who rallied behind us to make this dream a reality," Opaleye stated. He highlighted Adidas's pivotal role, noting, "Thank you, Adidas, for giving boots, because I really don't know where I would have gotten 1000 boots from."
More Than Just Boots: A Pathway to Careers
Opaleye emphasized that the boot distribution was just the beginning of a broader mission. He framed the project as part of the CitySports Foundation's goal to empower one million African youth annually through sports and leadership programs. He urged the recipients not to sell their boots but to see them as a tool for achieving their professional dreams.
"I'd like to appeal to you not to sell your boots, because your future dream is attached to this day," he advised. "CitySports Africa is here to help the kids launch their careers... We have CitySports academy products who now play in the Arsenal academy."
Onazi's Charge: Discipline and Hard Work
The event was graced by former Super Eagles and Lazio midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, who presented a special jersey. Onazi charged the young footballers to seize the opportunity with both hands, using the story of Senegalese star Sadio Mané, who started playing barefoot, as an inspiration.
He described the initiative as laudable and a potential life-changer for talents who cannot afford boots. "This laudable initiative is a big opportunity for you to launch your destiny," Onazi said. "I want to appeal to you to be hardworking and disciplined because only that can make you become the next Super Eagle."
The event concluded with a free meal for guests and beneficiaries. Opaleye reaffirmed CitySports Africa's commitment to extending similar gestures to young footballers across all regions of Nigeria in the future.
