Nigeria Makes History As Drone Soccer Takes Flight In Lagos

Drone Soccer, an innovative blend of technology, sports, and aeronautical engineering, made its official debut in Lagos, drawing attention from tech and sports enthusiasts alike. The launch event, held at the Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, was organized under the auspices of the Federation of International Drone Soccer Association (FIDA Nigeria) with the support of Caverton Helicopters.

According to Ireporter Online, the introduction of the sport in Nigeria represents a major step toward merging science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education with recreational and competitive activities.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu—represented by the Deputy Director of Sports, Ifeoluwa Ogunlaja—praised the initiative, describing drone soccer as a platform that promotes inclusion, community development, and technological literacy among youths.

President of FIDA Nigeria, Rotimi Makanjuola, described the occasion as the dawn of a new era in Nigeria’s sporting and technological ecosystem. He explained that drone soccer involves players controlling flying drones encased in protective cages to score goals in a fast-paced, high-energy setting. Beyond competition, Makanjuola noted that the sport engages young people in robotics, programming, and aeronautics, encouraging curiosity and confidence through teamwork and innovation.

He emphasized that it was symbolic for the sport to take off in Lagos—the nation’s hub for innovation and youth empowerment—highlighting the collaboration between FIDA Nigeria and the Lagos State Sports Commission as a strategic effort to promote digital literacy, create new global opportunities, and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.

Makanjuola further revealed that the sport aligns with global technological trends such as artificial intelligence and drone applications. Drawing lessons from the recent Drone Soccer World Cup in South Korea, he observed that many Asian children had already embraced the sport, positioning themselves for future technological advancement. He expressed optimism that Nigerian youths would soon follow the same path.

Caverton Helicopters received accolades for supporting the development of the sport. Makanjuola commended the company’s leadership for recognizing drone soccer as a pioneering venture that aligns with its commitment to innovation and national development. He disclosed that 102 participants were already undergoing training as umpires, referees, and officials, with plans to expand the program to schools across the country.

Echoing similar sentiments, FIDA Nigeria’s General Secretary, Ese Obukonise, stated that Nigeria currently stands as one of only two African nations officially recognized by the global drone soccer body—alongside Morocco. He underscored the need for greater government and private sector support to expand the sport nationwide and maximize its technological benefits.

A participant, Tobiloba Ogunlaja, expressed excitement about the sport, noting that drone soccer requires more mental agility than physical strength. He described it as a futuristic and engaging activity that should be further developed and supported in Nigeria due to its vast potential for youth empowerment and innovation.