Lagos Queens Cup set for debut as eight women's teams battle before European scouts
The maiden edition of the Lagos Queens Cup will take place from July 8 to 11, 2026, at the Legacy Pitch, Surulere, Lagos, bringing together eight leading women’s football teams in a tournament designed to connect local talent with international opportunities.
Scouts from Finland and Sweden are expected to attend the four-day competition, where players will have the chance to impress European talent recruiters. Matches are scheduled daily from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The participating teams are FC Robo Queens, Dannaz FC, Victory FA, CATS Ladies, Ayisat Yusuf FA, Dreamstar Ladies, Nakamura FA, and Asisat Oshoala Academy.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Founder of Herizon Sports Initiative, Ibidoyin Aina, described the Lagos Queens Cup as a landmark initiative aimed at creating direct pathways for female footballers to secure international opportunities without relying solely on national team invitations.
"Our girls should not have to wait for a national team call-up to access international opportunities. The Lagos Queens Cup goes beyond being a football tournament; it is Nigeria's first dedicated women's football scouting event," Aina said.
She noted that many talented players have historically depended on national team exposure to gain international recognition, adding that the tournament seeks to change that narrative by bringing respected local and international scouts directly to Lagos.
"We believe talented players should be discovered based on their abilities. By bringing reputable scouts to Lagos, we are creating a direct link between outstanding players and professional clubs," she added.
Aina also said the competition is designed to position Lagos as a leading destination for women's football talent identification while strengthening relationships between Nigerian football and European clubs.
"This tournament is about building lasting football connections between Nigeria and Europe. We want Lagos to become a trusted hub where clubs can consistently discover exceptional talent. The Lagos Queens Cup is more than a competition—it is a movement to create more opportunities and a brighter future for women's football."
The Lagos Queens Cup is supported by the Lagos State Football Association, 36 Lion Investment, Herizon Sports Initiative, Ayisat Yusuf Football Foundation, Diego Nakamura, Ivory Health Club, and the Africa Football Empowerment Congress.
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