LSSC Boss, Allibay, Laud Spires 5-Aside, IHS Partnership

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) and telecommunications giant IHS have announced a strategic partnership ahead of the 2026 Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament. The unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday, attended by the LSSC's Director General, Lekan Fatodu, and other top officials. Representatives from the media and PR Manager of Spires Media, Victor Ottah, were also present to discuss the partnership's potential.

Ottah highlighted IHS's role in managing over 16,000 mobile-phone towers and sites across the country, emphasizing that their collaboration with Spires Media will drive numerous initiatives beyond the football pitch. "This partnership is better described as one made in heaven," Ottah stated, noting that IHS's excellence in telecommunications will propel the Spires 5-Aside project forward with significant innovations.

LSSC's Director General, Lekan Fatodu, praised IHS for its vision in partnering with a credible brand like Spires Media to elevate the Naija Street Soccer Tournament. Fatodu, who has closely monitored Spires Media's activities over the past three years, praised the tournament as the most professionally run 5-Aside event in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region. He assured stakeholders that the LSSC would provide full support for the 2026 state championship, slated for October.

Spires Media's CEO, Dr. Bankole Allibay, expressed his excitement about the partnership, acknowledging IHS's trust in the project. He highlighted the achievements of the tournament over the past three years and the potential for even greater success with the IHS collaboration. The next phase of the Spires 5-Aside IHS Partnership will be unveiled in collaboration with the Lagos State Football Association on September 1st, 2026.

The third season of the tournament will commence on October 24th, featuring 16 teams across five divisions in Lagos.