The Badagry Divisional Football Association (BDFA), in partnership with RAK Development Foundation, has unveiled plans for the 2025 season of the BDFA-RAK League. This highly anticipated competition, which has become a cornerstone of grassroots football in the Badagry Division, is set to kick off in February with a minimum of 40 participating teams.
Now in its fifth year, the BDFA-RAK League continues to champion youth development and community empowerment through football. Sponsored by Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, through his NGO, RAK Foundation – an organization committed to youth empowerment, gender equality, and community growth – the league has grown into a platform for nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for athletes to reach global heights.
The league is structured into two phases: the Regular League Series and the Super 8 Tournament. Teams will be drawn into four groups of 10, representing the BDFA’s zonal jurisdictions—Badagry Zone, Ojo Zone, Amuwo Odofin Zone, and Ajeromi Ifelodun Zone. Each zone will play 45 matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 8 Tournament.
The zonal format is designed to reduce travel costs, enhance accessibility, and ensure effective management across all communities under the BDFA’s jurisdiction. In total, 194 matches are expected to be played this season, comprising 180 in the Regular League Series and 14 in the Super 8 Tournament.
The BDFA-RAK League offers trophies and cash prizes for the top four teams, alongside individual awards such as Most Valuable Player (MVP), Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Best Coach, Best Referee, and Best Behaved Team.
Over the years, the league has discovered and nurtured exceptional talents now excelling within and beyond Nigeria. Players such as Durosinmi Rafiu (Czech Republic), Isa Musa (Denmark), Solomon Agbalaka (Russia), and Ibrahim Olawoyin (Turkey) are shining examples of the BDFA-RAK League’s impact, demonstrating that RAK Foundation’s annual multimillion-naira investments are yielding the desired results. The league has also elevated teams like Roro House FC (NLO 1) and Young Stars FC (NLO 2) to national leagues.
This year’s edition promises exciting innovations, fanfare, and rewards for players and fans alike. BDFA Chairman, Dr. Osondu Martins, expressed gratitude to Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende and his RAK Development Foundation for their unwavering support, describing the league as a vital platform for youth empowerment and community development.
“The BDFA-RAK League has become a beacon of hope for young talents and football enthusiasts. We look forward to an exciting season filled with innovation, passion, and opportunities for everyone involved,” Dr. Martins said.
With the kickoff set for February, football enthusiasts across the Badagry Division eagerly await another season of thrilling competition and unforgettable moments.
