"Go and Defend Your Trophy," LASU VC Charges Blazzers Ahead of UNITECO Opener

 The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, has charged the university's male football team, the LASU Blazzers, to retain their crown as they begin their title defense at the UNITECO Football Competition.

The reigning champions, who won the tournament's 2025 edition, are scheduled to kick off their campaign on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the University of Lagos sports complex. The tournament will run from May 18 to May 25, 2026.

Receiving the team during an official trophy tour at the Vice-Chancellor's office, Professor Olatunji-Bello—represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Afisi, FSPSP, MCIOD—expressed absolute confidence in the squad's technical depth while underscoring the values required for victory.

Professor Afisi noted that while the team has the full institutional backing and blessings of management, prayers must be complemented by absolute discipline, dedication, and hard work on the pitch.

The DVC commended the diverse structure of the team, praising the coaching staff for selecting players based on raw talent across various academic departments, rather than restricting scouting to the Department of Human Kinetics and Sports.

The university leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting student-athletes in building lucrative, long-term professional careers in sports alongside their academic pursuits.

During the presentation, the Director of Sports, Mr. Olatunde Owoyemi, commended the Vice-Chancellor for approving the immediate release of the ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira) prize money won during their 2025 championship run. He stated that this financial fulfillment has significantly boosted camp morale and motivated the players to secure back-to-back titles.

Mr. Samuel Bamisebi, Head of Operations at 54 Football X (the tournament organizers), praised LASU for their exemplary sportsmanship and discipline during the previous edition, urging the school administration to sustain its heavy investment in campus sports infrastructure.

The courtesy visit concluded with assurances of victory from the players and was attended by varsity coaches, senior management staff, officials from the Vice-Chancellor's Office, and representatives from LASU Radio 95.7FM.