Little League Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth with Fourth National, West Africa Tournament

Posted : 10 November 2026

Little League Nigeria is intensifying efforts to strengthen grassroots baseball and softball development, with 14 teams expected to participate in the fourth National and West Africa Tournament in Lagos.

The six-day competition, scheduled for Dec. 17 to Dec. 22 at Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, will feature young athletes competing across four divisions.

District Administrator of Little League Nigeria, Kehinde Laniyan, disclosed this on Monday, describing the tournament as an important platform for talent discovery, youth development and international exposure.

Laniyan, who is also Director of the National and West Africa Little League Tournaments, said the competition had grown into a significant event following three consecutive successful editions.

He described the championship as Nigeria's version of the Little League World Series, offering young players an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities while experiencing the competitive demands of baseball and softball.

"We can regard the competition as our own World Series," he said.

The Baseball Commissioner of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Africa said the initiative was designed to achieve objectives beyond winning trophies.

According to him, Little League uses sports to develop essential values among children, including discipline, respect, teamwork, responsibility, perseverance and humility.

"We are not simply producing baseball and softball players; we are helping to raise responsible young people and future leaders," Laniyan said.

He explained that engaging children during their formative years would help build their confidence, character and leadership abilities.

The administrator added that the programme provides structured opportunities for coaching, talent identification, competitive experience and international exposure.

He noted that Little League's international affiliations could open pathways for promising athletes to progress from community competitions to international championships and major sporting events, including the Olympic Games.

Laniyan, who is also President of Kenny Tournament Enterprises Limited, called on parents, schools, sports administrators, community leaders and corporate organisations to support the championship.

He said stronger stakeholder participation would improve the tournament's impact and create sustainable opportunities for young baseball and softball players.

The fourth edition is expected to further strengthen the sport's grassroots foundation in Nigeria while promoting friendship, sportsmanship and community development among participating children.

The tournament will hold from Dec. 17 to Dec. 22 at Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos.

With 14 teams expected to compete across four divisions, the championship will provide another opportunity to identify emerging talents and expand access to organised baseball and softball in Nigeria. Through its focus on character development, international exposure and community participation, Little League Nigeria aims to build a stronger foundation for the future of both sports.

Little League Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth with Fourth National, West Africa Tournament

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