History was made in the heart of Lagos as the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports to the President of Nigeria, Chief Yinka Anthony Adeboye, graced the historic first international friendly match between the Nigeria Men’s Waka (Walking) Football Team and their visiting Rwandan counterparts.
The landmark encounter, which took place at the iconic Eagles Club off Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Surulere, drew sports enthusiasts, community leaders, and veteran athletes gathered to witness the expanding horizon of Nigerian sports at the grassroots level.
Serving as the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Adeboye praised the initiative, emphasizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to promoting inclusive sports, healthy living, and grassroots development across every corner of the nation.
”What we witnessed today at the Eagles Club is more than just a game of walking football—it is a victory for active living, community bonding, and international unity.
I want to commend both the Nigerian and Rwandan delegations for putting together this historic fixture on Nigerian soil. This shows that sports at the grassroots level has no age limit, and the passion of our people remains boundless.”
”Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our mandate is clear: to ensure that grassroots sports development is given the attention and resources it truly deserves. Waka football represents an extraordinary avenue for our veteran athletes and older citizens to stay physically fit, mentally sharp, and socially engaged. The presidency fully supports initiatives like this that showcase Nigerian sportsmanship and innovation.”
”Welcoming our brothers from Rwanda to Surulere—the traditional bedrock of Lagos sports symbolizes the strong sports diplomacy uniting African nations. Sports continue to serve as the most effective bridge for peace, health, and mutual respect across our continent.”
The atmosphere at the Eagles Club was electric as both teams showcased tactical discipline, precision passing, and the core essence of walking football—a fast-growing variant of the sport designed to promote physical fitness without the high-impact running or tackling.
The hosting of the Rwandan national team marks a pivotal turning point for the Lagos Waka Football League and the broader Nigerian Walking Football community, signaling the nation’s readiness to compete on continent-wide and international stages.
The event concluded with presentation ceremonies and exchanges of goodwill gifts between the presidency’s representative, Chief Adeboye, and the officials of both the Nigerian and Rwandan contingents.
Nigeria 60+ won the first game as a solitary goal by igwe Godson in the 17th minute made the difference against the Rwandan’ 60+ category.
