Firm launches drone soccer in Lagos

Caverton Helicopters, a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group, under the banner of the Federation of International Drone Soccer Association (FIDA), has organised the maiden edition of drone soccer in Lagos.

A statement made available said the event was held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, on Friday.

The exercise combined the excitement of sports with technology and elements of aeronautical engineering, introducing participants to the fast-growing sport of drone soccer.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, represented by Deputy Director of Sports, Ifeoluwa Ogunlaja, described the exercise as a “unique blend of community engagement, STEM and inclusion.”

In his opening remarks, President of FIDA Nigeria, Rotimi Makanjuola, said the programme marked the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s sporting industry.

“Drone Soccer is not just another game — it is a fusion of technology, teamwork, and talent, where players control flying drones enclosed in protective cages to compete in a goal-based, high-energy sport,” he said.

Makanjuola added that beyond the excitement, drone soccer introduced young people to STEM education through sports, noting that it “challenges the mind, builds confidence, and ignites curiosity about robotics, programming, and aeronautics.”

He said the collaboration between FIDA Nigeria Drone Soccer and the Lagos State Sports Commission would empower youth, enhance digital literacy, and open pathways to global opportunities.

At FIDA Nigeria, our objective is to create awareness about the sport. It’s a relatively new sport, and we have chosen to engage with the Lagos State Sports Commission because Lagos is the pioneer of many things in Nigeria,” Makanjuola said.

He highlighted recent milestones in Nigeria’s sporting innovations, including the E1 Lagos GP and Africa’s first electric boat racing competition. “From what I heard, they’re going to be coming back for the next five years. For drone soccer, we feel it’s the same, especially as it targets the new normal — Artificial Intelligence, drone technology, and STEM for children,” he added.

Makanjuola also praised Caverton for supporting the sport. “When we came across drone soccer, we realised it is another pioneer sport we can promote, not just in Nigeria, but across West Africa. We are grateful to the Chairman, Board and management of Caverton for their support. As you can see, 102 people are already being trained to become umpires, referees, and officials, and we expect more as we reach out to schools.”

Also speaking, FIDA Nigeria General Secretary, Ese Obukonise, said Nigeria could leverage its early mover advantage as one of only two African countries registered with the global drone soccer association.

“Drone soccer is taking an international dimension. The first World Cup was held in South Korea last month, and Nigeria participated. The event exposed us not just to the leisure aspect but also to the technological development side of the sport. This is a very good development, and we thank Caverton Helicopters for ensuring Nigeria is registered as a member,” Obukonise said.

He noted that Morocco was the only other African country at the World Cup, which had 25 official members globally across Asia, North and South America, and Europe. Obukonise called for government support to expand drone soccer across Nigeria.

One of the participants, Tobiloba Ogunlaja, said the sport was mentally demanding and exhilarating.

“I feel so excited about drone soccer. It’s my first time, and I can tell you I now have a sport I’m passionate about. I plan to engage further to become a professional in the sport. I want more of this in Nigeria, and I hope it gets more exposure, investors, and government support because of its huge potential,” he said.