The Lagos State Sports Commission, yesterday, signed what it described as a “historic” Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with one of the longest serving community football clubs in the United Kingdom, Abbey Rangers FC.

At the partnership signing ceremony held at the Commission’s office at Teslim Balogun Stadium, the Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, explained that apart from aiming to build a solid football structure for Nigerian youths, the partnership would lead to massive talent identification, coaches and technical capacity building and laying the foundation for those who will venture into sports science in the future.

“At Lagos Sports Commission, we are aware of our responsibilities, and there is the need to learn and learn. This is the first time any state in Nigeria is keying into this kind of community football partnership and it is historic for us.

“This, in a way, will reduce the japa syndrome among our youths because we cannot continue to throw away our talents into the space. There is the need to plan for the future. That is what this partnership is all about,” Fatodu stated.

Speaking further, he said: “What Lagos is bringing into this partnership is integrity and sincerity because Abbey Rangers FC, which celebrating its 50th anniversary in May, this year, deserves a better deal in Nigeria.”

Chairman of Abbey Rangers FC of United Kingdom, Nick Riley, said: “Our mission in Africa is to search for those hidden talents, and we are proud to partner with the Lagos Sports Commission.

“Sometimes, most Nigerians want to see the end quickly, but for us at Abbey Rangers FC, we build a legacy that will last for generations to come but not just for two or three years. What we are about to begin with Lagos Sports Commission is a journey that never end. I watched a youth tournament on Monday, and I was very impressed with what I saw. Abbey Rangers FC is a community club in the United Kingdom, but the club is beyond just a community,” Nick Riley said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende described the partnership as “great,” adding: “Since the second tenure of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos sports has recorded many ‘firsts’, and this is another great millstone in the history of Nigeria sports.

“In Lagos, our focus is creating opportunities for young people and engaging them in civic participation and skill-building, and at the same time promote partnerships for development.”

British Deputy High Commission, Lagos, Simon Field, who witnessed the signing of the MoU, said: “The connection between Nigeria and the United Kingdom has been very strong, and I am very glad to be part of this historic moment.

“The United Kingdom has the best and biggest Premier league in the world, with many Nigerians currently playing a part. The likes of Alex Iwobi and Kelvin Bassey are doing great, and I am sure this partnership will produce more great talents in the nearest future.”