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36 Lion FC

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
36 Lion Football Club or 36 Lion FC
Founded2000
GroundLegacy Practise Pitch, Surulere, Lagos
FounderHajji Liameed Gafar
Technical DirectorAkinrele Francis

36 Lion Football Club or 36 Lion FC is a Nigerian football club based in Lagos. Founded in 2000, the club is known for its focus on youth development and participation in grassroots and scouting tournaments within Nigerian football.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

The club is affiliated with the Nigeria Football Federation and the Lagos State Football Association and has participated in various domestic and international youth competitions.

36 Lion is known for producing several professional footballers, including Imoh Ezekiel, Peter Olayinka, Junior Ajayi, Yira Sor, Muhammed Tijani, Junior Olaitan among others.[14][15][16][17][18]

History

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36 Lion Football Club was established in 2000 as a football development organisation aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent in Nigeria.

In its early years, the club focused on grassroots scouting and participation in local competitions within Lagos State, gradually expanding its activities to include structured training programmes and international exposure for players.

The club has taken part in various youth tournaments both within Nigeria and abroad, including participation in competitions such as the Chicago International Youth Cup. Through these platforms, 36 Lion FC has developed players who progressed to professional careers in Europe and other leagues.

Notable players

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Players developed by 36 Lion FC include:

Imoh Ezekiel – former Nigeria international who played for Standard Liège[19][20]

Peter Olayinka – played for Red Star Belgrade and APOEL[21]

Junior Ajayi – former Nigeria youth international and Olympic bronze medallist[citation needed]

Yira Sor – professional winger who has played in Europe

Muhammed Tijani – signed for Plymouth Argyle

The club has also produced multiple players who represented Nigeria at youth and Olympic levels, including participants in the 2016 Summer Olympics football tournament

Achievements

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  • Lagos City Cup: 2023[22]
  • Lagos Supremacy cup: 2023[23]

References

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  1. ^ David (2018-04-03). "36 Lion football club unveil nine new players". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  2. ^ "Seamoriow FC draw with 36 Lions in Lagos". The Guardian Nigeria. November 25, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  3. ^ Fasetire, Sam O'Femi (2025-11-28). "36 Lion FC Target Slot To Compete In Nationwide League One". Sports247 Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  4. ^ "36 Lion Win Lagos Oba Cup". Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  5. ^ "Breaking: Top Azerbaijan side Neftci signs former 36 Lion attacker". Sports247 Nigeria. 2020-07-18. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  6. ^ Erezi, Dennis (2024-08-03). "Game-Changers: The Visionary Academy Owners Shaping Nigeria's Football Future". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  7. ^ Akinbo, Peter (2023-01-08). "Egypt 2023: Bosso calls up 35 players for AFCON U20s". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  8. ^ Dairo, Fisayo (2018-04-02). "NLO: 36 Lion intensify preparations for new season". ACLSports. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  9. ^ Online, The Eagle (2025-07-15). "36 Lions, Smart City join big boys at Eko International Cup |". The Eagle Online. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  10. ^ "36 Lions, Smart City Join Big Boys as Eko Cup Begins". This Day. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  11. ^ "36 Lion Lifts Lagos Supremacy Cup". Pulse Sports Nigeria. 2023-03-29. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  12. ^ Peaceman, Pandora (2023-06-21). "Ikorodu City, 15 Others For Lagos City Cup". New Telegraph. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  13. ^ "Registered Clubs | LSFA Official Website". www.lagosfa.com.ng. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  14. ^ Nation, The (2019-09-27). "Meet Olayinka, Eagles' new invitee". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  15. ^ Dairo, Fisayo (2018-04-02). "NLO: 36 Lion intensify preparations for new season". ACLSports. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  16. ^ "Standard Liege want 5 million Euros for Imoh Ezekiel - Nigeria". African Football. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  17. ^ Arinze, Alinnor (2026-02-05). "Junior Olaitan Joins Besiktas On 3-Year Deal". P.M.EXPRESS. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  18. ^ Ochicha, Lovette (2024-07-02). "Tijani Muhamed Makes History For 36 Lion FC, Signs Deal With Plymouth In England". Sports247 Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  19. ^ Inyang, Ifreke (2014-02-24). "Imoh Ezekiel picks Nigeria ahead of Belgium". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  20. ^ "Offers Pouring In For Standard Liege Striker, Imoh Ezekiel". AllNigeriaSoccer. 2014-07-08. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  21. ^ Nation, The (2019-09-27). "Meet Olayinka, Eagles' new invitee". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  22. ^ "36 Lions emerge champions as Barcelona-backed Lagos City Cup ends in style". Pulse Sports Nigeria. 2023-07-05. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  23. ^ "36 Lion Lifts Lagos Supremacy Cup". Pulse Sports Nigeria. 2023-03-29. Retrieved 2026-04-06.