By: Manoah Kikekon
Real Act of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation in partnership with The Badagry Division Football Association (BDFA), has officially commenced the 2025/2026 6th Edition of the RAK League, featuring both male and female categories.
The tournament was formally announced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, during a high-profile press briefing hosted at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat. Spearheaded by the pioneer of the RAK Foundation and Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the initiative continues to serve as a cornerstone for sports development and youth empowerment in the region.
Reflecting on the remarkable growth of the competition, Hon. Ogunlende recalled how the initiative started six years ago as a modest local tournament involving just eight teams within Badagry Township. Through strategic partnerships and the relentless dedication of the BDFA, the tournament has blossomed into one of the largest grassroots football competitions in Lagos State.
"This year's edition features over 40 football clubs drawn from the entire Badagry Division, covering all 13 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LG/LCDAs)," Ogunlende stated. "This remarkable growth is a clear testament to the enormous football talent that exists within our communities and our shared determination to provide opportunities for young people to excel."
Highlighting the inclusivity of the tournament, he added: "Today, the female division has become an integral part of this competition, proving that when given equal opportunities, women and girls can compete, excel, and inspire future generations. This reflects our unwavering belief that sports development must be inclusive and accessible to everyone regardless of gender."
Over the years, the RAK League has transcended local entertainment to become a genuine talent factory, producing exceptional players and tacticians who have transitioned to national and international platforms. Noteworthy success stories include Solomon Agbalaka, who progressed to play for FC Sochi in Russia, and Olawonyi Ibrahim, who continues his professional career in Turkey.
The league has equally catalyzed professional growth for local coaches. Mentors such as Olusoji Sunday and Sheriff Tijani have advanced to manage clubs in the Nigeria National League (NNL), while Coach Frank secured a high-profile coaching role with Ikorodu City FC in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). At the club level, participants like Emaljus FC, SC Heritage FC, Chekas United FC, ECAS FC, and Power of the Cross FC have advanced to the Lagos State League, with Roro FC and Young Stars FC breaking into Nationwide League One (NLO).
Addressing the financial logistics of the tournament, the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Prince Hajji Gafar Liameed, announced a significant subsidy to ease the financial burden on participating teams.
"If you have a tournament like this, the referee association always takes a bulk of the cost. A standard 90-minute match here in Lagos should cost at least ₦50,000 per referee, and if we have three officiating referees and one reserve referee, that is ₦200,000 per game," Liameed explained.
"However, the association has spoken to the referees, and instead of ₦50,000, it has been subsidized to ₦25,000 per game." Responding to inquiries regarding internal administrative matters within the local football structure, Liameed reassured stakeholders that "the BDFA house is in order; what we only have now is like a house painted white with a few stains, and we will work on repainting the house."
To further bolster local backing, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, pledged active support to the tournament by committing to donate official match balls.
Addressing questions concerning the much-anticipated Badagry Stadium project, Hon. Ogunlende assured residents that plans remain on track. "A number of stadiums were supposed to be built in Lagos State simultaneously, but due to some circumstances, it was split into phases, which implies that the construction of the Badagry Stadium will commence soon," he added.