Football remains one of the most powerful forces for unity in Nigeria, transcending ethnic, religious, and socio-economic boundaries. It is a shared passion that binds communities, inspires hope, and creates opportunities for millions of young people across the country. In recognition of this unique unifying power, Africa’s leading mobile phone brand, TECNO, has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots sports development by bringing football infrastructure to underserved communities across Nigeria and the African continent.

As one of the official partners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently taking place in Morocco, TECNO has launched a continent-wide initiative focused on building small-sized football pitches in communities where access to quality sports facilities is limited.

This initiative aligns with the brand’s broader vision of empowering African youth, fostering social inclusion, and nurturing the next generation of football talent from grassroots to professional levels.

The flagship Nigerian project under the TECNO 2025 AFCON initiative was recently unveiled in Lagos with the commissioning of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium, located in Sura, Lagos Island. The event marked a significant milestone not only for TECNO but also for sports development in Lagos State, as it represents the first mini football stadium delivered through a collaborative public-private partnership between a corporate organisation and the state government.

The newly commissioned mini stadium, named in honour of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stands as a symbol of shared responsibility and collective purpose between the public and private sectors.

It is designed to serve as a hub for grassroots football, youth engagement, and community development, providing young people in the area with a safe, modern, and accessible space to train, compete, and develop their talents.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by key government officials, community leaders, and representatives of TECNO. Among them was the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Mr. Lekan Fatoba, who described the project as one that holds special significance for the Lagos State Government.

In his remarks, Mr. Fatoba expressed profound appreciation to TECNO for its investment in grassroots sports development.

“To our partner, TECNO, we are extremely grateful. Words are not enough to appreciate what you have done with this project,” he said.

“We understand that this is a corporate social responsibility initiative dedicated to youth empowerment and community development. However, this project goes beyond private investment. It represents a rare convergence of purpose between corporate social responsibility and the government’s social contract with the people, delivered through a public-private partnership arrangement.”

Also present at the event was the Lagos State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende. He commended TECNO for an initiative he described as deeply community-driven and firmly rooted in grassroots development. The Commissioner further encouraged the company to extend similar projects to other underserved areas within Lagos State, including Ikorodu and Badagry, to broaden the initiative’s impact.

Representing TECNO at the ceremony, Mr. Babatunde Giwa, Head of Legal Affairs, who spoke on behalf of Mr. Chidi Okonkwo, General Manager of Transsion, shared insights into the motivation behind the company’s growing investment in football development. According to Mr. Giwa, TECNO’s long-term ambition is to become synonymous with football across Nigeria and Africa.

“This vision is driven by our commitment not only to associate with established football stars across the continent, but also to identify, support, and partner with the future stars of the game,” he said. “Our goal is to help young, football-loving Nigerians achieve their dreams by creating a bridge between grassroots talent and today’s football icons.”

To officially open the stadium for use, a novelty match was played on the new pitch, featuring a Lagos State team against a TECNO team. The entertaining encounter ended in a 2–2 draw and saw participation from top state officials, including the Commissioner for Sports and the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission. A second match between two local community teams followed, with Sura Red Stars emerging victorious with a 3–1 win, further underscoring the community-centric focus of the facility.

TECNO has consistently demonstrated its commitment to football development in Africa through partnerships with major continental competitions, including previous and current editions of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The commissioning of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium reinforces the brand’s belief in football as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and sustainable community development.

In closing, TECNO expressed sincere appreciation to the Lagos State Sports Commission and the Lagos State Government for their continued dedication to youth and community development through inclusive sports initiatives. The company reaffirmed its commitment to deepening partnerships that create lasting impact and unlock opportunities for young Nigerians through the power of football. For more updates, follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram, and X(Twitter)