Former Flying Eagles star, Monday Kanu, has called on the Lagos State Government to invest heavily in grassroots football infrastructure, stating that the state needs at least 20 standard football pitches to meet the growing demands of young aspiring footballers.
Kanu, a member of Nigeria’s U20 squad to the 1987 FIFA World Cup in Chile, made this call during his visit to the Inspire Sports Academy Complex on Thursday, where he witnessed ongoing matches in the 2025 1X Cup—widely regarded as the biggest grassroots football tournament in Lagos.
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Speaking with Sports247, Kanu emphasized the vital role of football in youth development and empowerment, urging the government to support private initiatives already making strides in this space.
“Right now in Lagos, we have far too few standard sporting facilities to cater for the large number of youths who now see football as a viable career path,” Kanu said. “A state like Lagos needs nothing less than 20 standard football pitches like this Arena.”
” At the moment, we only have the overstretched Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan and the Legacy Pitch in Surulere.”
He praised grassroots football investors and stakeholders who, according to him, are taking bold steps by setting up football clubs, academies, and sports arenas to engage and empower young talents.
“We cannot afford to let our young people down due to lack of infrastructure. The government must do more to complement what private individuals and organisations are already doing,” he added.
Kanu also commended the organisers of the 1X Cup for their dedication to detail and their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through football.
“The 1X Cup is a fantastic initiative. It gives hope, structure, and visibility to grassroots talents. I thank the organisers for this wonderful platform,” he concluded.
The 1X Cup continues to attract top scouts, coaches, and stakeholders in Nigerian football, serving as a critical pathway for young players dreaming of a professional future in the game.
