Over 3,000 Kids Attend 2025 Maracana Children’s Fest in Ajegunle

Posted : 22 June 2025

In what could be one of the largest youth football gatherings in Nigeria, over 3,000 children participated in the 2025 Maracana Children’s Fest, held on Saturday, June 21, at the iconic Maracana Stadium, Tolu, Ajegunle, Lagos. The event was a celebration of grassroots football, bringing together young talents for a day of fun, learning, and inspiration.

The football fiesta was not just about playing the game—it gave excited young players a rare opportunity to meet and interact with top Super Eagles stars, who defied the early morning drizzle to join the event and inspire the next generation of Nigerian footballers. The annual fest, sponsored by Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, was hosted at the newly refurbished Maracana Stadium and drew admiration for its scale and organization.

Among the Super Eagles players in attendance were William Troost-Ekong, the national team’s stand-in captain, Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray striker and former African Footballer of the Year, Frank Onyeka of FC Augsburg, Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge, and former international Jonathan Akpoborie. Their presence brought excitement and credibility to the event.

The fest featured 5-a-side matches across 19 mini-pitches, with the children showcasing their football artistry to the delight of the players, officials, and a large crowd of spectators. The atmosphere reached a peak when Osimhen appeared, with children shouting his name in joy, turning the event into a truly unforgettable experience.

Speaking at the event, Wilfred Ndidi expressed his happiness about giving back to the community that raised him: “I feel amazed and happy because for the past two years, there has been much improvement in the competition. We usually hold it in June or December, and I’m excited about the project. The smiles on the kids' faces amaze me—it’s something they look forward to.”

He further emphasized the importance of face-to-face inspiration: “Watching footballers on TV is great, but seeing them live is different. That’s why we invited Super Eagles players, and I’m glad they showed up to make this a memorable day for the kids.”

Yemi Idowu, the programme coordinator, also shared his excitement: “It was difficult getting everyone’s schedules aligned, but they all honoured the invitation, which means a lot. This is the first time we’ve had seven Super Eagles players together at this event.” He added that some players even brought their own children, reinforcing the event’s spirit of community. Idowu concluded by confirming that the Maracana Children’s Fest, which has been running for over 40 years, will return in December for its next festive edition.

Over 3,000 Kids Attend 2025 Maracana Children’s Fest in Ajegunle

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