By Peter Dansu The atmosphere was electric on Sunday at Badagry Grammar School as the 2025 BDFA-RAK Football League came to a dramatic and...
By Peter Dansu
The atmosphere was electric on Sunday at Badagry Grammar School as the 2025 BDFA-RAK Football League came to a dramatic and history-making close, with Emaljus FC and Great Stars Amazon clinching top honours in the male and female categories respectively.
This year’s grand finale was more than just a closing match — it was a celebration of progress, inclusion, and the vibrant spirit of grassroots football in the Badagry Division of Lagos State. Organised by the Badagry Division Football Association (BDFA) and powered by the RAK Development Foundation, the tournament reached a new milestone this year with the debut of a women’s league, a move widely applauded by fans and stakeholders alike.
RAK Development Foundation, led by its founder and Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Services, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, has been the driving force behind the league since 2019. Speaking at the event, Ogunlende praised the league's expansion, particularly the addition of the female category.
“The introduction of the women’s league is more than just symbolic. It is a bold step towards gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and sports development,” he said. “It also aligns with the THEMESPlus agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.”
This year’s edition saw 48 male teams and, for the first time, 8 female teams compete over several weeks, drawing large crowds and growing interest across communities in the division.
In the highly anticipated female final, Great Stars Amazon triumphed over Ola Stars to become the inaugural champions, while Diamond Queens secured third place. On the men’s side, Emaljus FC emerged victorious after a thrilling campaign, with JP Youngstars finishing as runners-up and Ecas FC coming third.
Individual brilliance also shone through:
Best Female Player: Mafe Ajara
Best Male Player: Yaya Wasiu
The closing ceremony was graced by top dignitaries, including Mr. Yahaya Lateef, Commissioner II, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, as well as the APC Chairmanship candidates for the 2025 local government elections in Badagry: Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Mr. Ajose Peter Kumayon, and Mr. Rauf Ibrahim Yemaren.
In his closing remarks, Ogunlende expressed optimism for the future of the league and the young talents it nurtures.
“The next Victor Osimhen or Asisat Oshoala may have just graced this very pitch,” he said. “We are building dreams and shaping futures here.”
With the successful wrap-up of this year’s edition — and the historic inclusion of a female league — the BDFA-RAK Football League has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of sports development and community unity in Badagry and beyond.
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