Lagos-based youth football academy Dazzle FC has won the Under-12 title at the 2026 Dana Cup in Denmark, finishing ahead of teams from 56 countries at the international youth tournament.

The Nigerian side secured the championship after an unbeaten campaign in the Boys’ 7-a-side category, winning all nine matches at the competition held in Hjørring from July 20 to 25.

Dazzle FC scored 56 goals and conceded six throughout the tournament, which attracted 946 teams from 56 countries.

The academy’s strongest test came in the semi-final, where it defeated Brazilian side RS Sports 2-1 to book a place in the final.

The Lagos youngsters then faced Mexico’s IFAC in the championship match. After regulation time ended without a goal, Akinremi Abdullahi scored in extra time to give Dazzle FC a 1-0 victory and its first Dana Cup title.

The achievement was celebrated by KingMakers, which said it had supported KidSport, the organisation associated with Dazzle FC, for several years as part of its grassroots sports development initiatives.

In a statement released on Wednesday, November 11, KingMakers Managing Director, Gossy Ukanwoke, praised the players for their performance and said the victory demonstrated the importance of providing young Nigerian athletes with opportunities to develop and compete internationally.

“Watching these young Nigerians lift a trophy against teams from 56 countries is exactly why we invest in grassroots sport. Talent is everywhere in Nigeria. What many children lack is the opportunity to play, to be coached and to be seen,” Ukanwoke said.

He added that the company would continue supporting initiatives that give young people opportunities to showcase their abilities.

KidSport founder, Bukola Alabi, described the victory as a significant achievement for the organisation and the children involved in its football development programmes.

She thanked KingMakers for its continued support, saying the partnership had helped identify young talent and create opportunities for children across Lagos.

The academy recorded another notable achievement at the tournament, with its Under-14 team finishing as runners-up.

The team reached the final of the Play-Off A competition, where it faced Palestinian side Rawahel. The match ended level in regulation time before Dazzle FC lost 5-3 in the penalty shootout.

Despite the defeat, Dazzle FC goalkeeper Ojerinde Toheeb received individual recognition after being named the Best Player in the U-14 category. He recorded three clean sheets in five matches.

The 2026 Dana Cup featured 946 teams, approximately 2,600 matches and 62 playing pitches, bringing together young footballers from across the world.

Dazzle FC’s performance gave the Lagos academy one championship title, a runners-up finish and an individual award, highlighting the potential of Nigerian grassroots football on the international stage.