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Dispatch: a series dedicated to immersive storytelling, where our photographers and writers journey to chosen places, combining evocative imagery with long-form editorials to uncover and share unique football cultures.

To Dream

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY Adedolapo Boluwatife Abimbola

AUGUST 6 2026
Lagos, Nigeria

Football on the outskirts of Lagos, especially in places like Mowe-Ibafo in Ogun State, is both an escape and a means of survival. The area is only about 7km from Lagos, and many residents are migrants who moved out of the city because of overpopulation, high living costs, or simply to escape the chaos of Lagos life. Because of this connection, the football culture here closely mirrors that of Lagos.

A lot of the football academies operate informally and are open to any young person who shows passion and talent for the game. The academy structure and style of football are heavily influenced by Lagos football culture, but the atmosphere here feels less pressured and less competitive than being in a major Lagos team. That slower pace creates more room for individual expression and visibility for players trying to prove themselves.

The biggest difference: access to opportunities.

Lagos remains the main gateway to international scouts and recognition because of its football history and reputation; academies on the outskirts often have to work harder to be noticed. Many teams here try to prove themselves through competitions against Lagos-based academies before getting opportunities for exchanges or wider exposure.

But football here is deeply tied to everyday life. Most players balance the sport with serious responsibilities. Younger players go to school while also helping their parents with chores or small trades. Older teenagers often take on menial jobs to support their families because of the economic reality. Despite all this, they still show up consistently for training sessions and matches, driven purely by passion and hope.

What is inspiring is that the area continues to produce remarkable talent. Several players from this side have gone on to play professionally in Europe and other parts of the world, and also represent Nigeria nationally. I personally know a player who made the Team of the Tournament at the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and later participated in the Bayern Munich World Squad initiative in 2024. There are many similar stories from this area.

One thing that stands out most is the sense of togetherness among the players. Even those who do not aim to become professionals remain connected to football through local weekend tournaments: communities organize informal leagues on open plots of land, sometimes donated by elders, where teams register, compete, and win prizes. Football is everywhere from street tournaments to viewing centers packed with fans supporting Premier League clubs.

In many ways, football here feels like a replica of Lagos’ football spirit, but at a slower, more intimate, and deeply passionate tempo.

I’ve always loved football.

Growing up in Ojodu, Lagos, I played on the streets as a child and also participated in local tournaments through my church team. The passion for the game has always been part of me. I support Liverpool F.C., and I still remember watching the Miracle of Istanbul when I was young. Looking back, I realize football has always represented passion and escape for me.

Professionally, my journey into photographing football began in 2021, shortly after the COVID lockdown period. At the time, I was going through a very difficult phase mentally. I had a serious creative block, was depressed, and had to move back in with my parents for a while. Football photography became a form of escape for me.

Fortunately, my elder brother, who has spent much of his life working in grassroots football, was then involved with Future Stars Football Academy in the Mowe-Ibafo area. I started going to training sessions every day with my camera and tripod. At first, I simply photographed training sessions, friendly matches, and social gatherings around the academy. Over time, I became their official photographer and earned the nickname “Oga Media.” I worked with the academy almost every day for about two years.

Beyond taking photographs, I helped document the players’ journeys, created videos for them, and shot match highlights. It became one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. What gave me the most joy was seeing the players’ reactions whenever I arrived with my camera. They understood the importance of media in modern football, and my presence often boosted their confidence and morale. You could literally see it influence how they performed on the pitch.

Even after moving to Abeokuta, I still visited and worked with the academy whenever I returned to the area. Around that same period, I also collaborated with a friend’s fashion brand that centered around African football culture and success. My experience photographing grassroots football and street football culture in Ibafo helped shape and execute that project successfully.

As time went on, I expanded from academy photography into documenting local street leagues and community tournaments. In 2024, my elder brother left Future Stars and established his own academy, Megalos Sports Academy, where I also worked briefly. The academy trained players from the U9 level up to U17, and they achieved significant success during that period. I photographed training sessions, matches, and social events around the team.

Today, he focuses more on younger players through the Mega Juniors Academy. He personally houses and supports some of the talents, and thankfully many parents have become more supportive after seeing the progress and success of players who previously passed through the academy.

For me, photographing football has never been just about sports photography. It is connected to community, hope, escape, ambition, and documenting the dreams of young people trying to build a future through football. —

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