Video: Ndidi, Osimhen Bring Super Eagles Magic To Ajegunle Kids

Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, and other Super Eagles stars thrilled over 3,000 kids at the Maracana Fest, inspiring the next generation in Ajegunle.

Some players from the Super Eagles team came together on Saturday to attend the 2025 Maracana Children’s Fest. The event was organized in honor of Wilfred Ndidi and took place at the newly renovated Maracana Stadium in Tolu, Ajegunle, Lagos.

The event was supported by Ndidi, who plays for Leicester City. It attracted a large crowd, including over 3,000 children who came to participate and enjoy the festivities. Among the football stars present were William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Frank Onyeka, Victor Boniface, Raphael Onyedika, and former Nigerian international Jonathan Akpoborie.

Children had a chance to show off their football skills on 19 small-sized football pitches set up for the occasion. The energy in the stadium soared when Victor Osimhen, a past African Footballer of the Year and top scorer in Turkey, made his entrance. The kids cheered loudly, thrilled to see their football hero in real life.

Ndidi expressed how happy he felt to give back to the place where his football dreams started.
“I feel amazed and happy. This competition has improved over the past two years. We usually hold it in June or December,” he said.
“The smiles on the kids’ faces are heart-warming. It is something they truly look forward to every year.
“As a child, I loved watching football on TV, but seeing players in real life was always more exciting for me.”

He explained that the presence of his teammates was meant to inspire the children.
“That’s why we invited the Super Eagles players — to create that magical moment for the children.
The children are clearly excited to see the Super Eagles. It gives them hope and inspiration for the future.
We want to focus more on the kids, investing in their future. Seeing someone like Osimhen means a lot to them.”

Ndidi also spoke about choosing Maracana Stadium because of its history.
“Ajegunle has produced many stars, including Odion Ighalo,” he said.
“Though I never played here as a child, I knew its importance. This project helps preserve Maracana’s legacy.
Our aim is to keep Maracana’s name alive and continue to inspire future champions from Ajegunle.
The presence of Super Eagles players shows their support for the project. No one was forced — they came willingly.”

He thanked his teammates for making the effort to be there.
“I’m grateful to see my teammates here today. The children got the chance to meet and interact with them.
We’ve identified talented kids already. But it’s important to remind them to stay in school.
They mustn’t abandon education for football. School is essential, no matter how talented they are.”

The program coordinator, Yemi Idowu, praised the players for taking time out of their busy schedules.
“I’m excited. It was hard aligning everyone’s timetable, but they still honoured our invitation,” he said.
“They came because it’s a worthy cause. Taking time out shows their genuine commitment.
This is the first time seven Super Eagles players are attending together. More could have come if not for the weather.”

He added that the event reached two important goals.
“We’ve shown that multi-pitch facilities are possible. All 19 pitches hosted over 3,000 kids simultaneously. The games went smoothly across the pitches without congestion or issues.
National players can contribute to society by engaging directly with children like they’ve done today.
They brought their own kids too. Osimhen, Troost-Ekong, and Wilfred were all outstanding. This is a space where players can come freely, without fear of harassment or pressure.
They gave us their time, which is even more valuable than money. That means everything.
We’ve done this kind of programme for over 40 years. The next one will take place during Christmas.”

Also present at the event was the Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Oladotun Coker. He described the event as a great step forward for youth development.
“This initiative is commendable. It’s a brilliant way to promote grassroots football development,” he said.
“The children were able to meet their heroes face-to-face. That moment will stay with them forever.
LSFA will always support initiatives like this. It is indeed a laudable effort.”

Several dignitaries, including traditional rulers, local leaders, and football fans, also attended the celebration.

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