Magic Stars Football Club
Magic Stars Football Club is a Nigerian professional football club based in Lagos. The club was founded in November 2021 and competes in the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), the third tier of Nigerian football.[1] Since its establishment, the club has participated in youth development initiatives, international competitions, and domestic league campaigns.[2]
History
Magic Stars FC was officially registered with the Nigeria Football Federation through the Lagos State Football Association in 2021. The club was founded by Kayode Akanji Agboola, who also serves as its chairman.[3]
In October 2022, Agboola joined other Nigeria Nationwide League (NLO) club chairmen on an eight-day football business tour of the United Kingdom organized through the NVA Sports & Entertainment Group.[4] The tour focused on football business development and potential partnerships with European clubs.
In March 2024, the club organized the Magic Scouting Tournament at Legacy Pitch, National Stadium Surulere, featuring eight teams. The tournament was coordinated by former Nigerian footballer and Italian-based manager Mathew Olorunleke.[5]
Magic Stars secured promotion to the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) in 2024 after defeating Ojodu City on penalties during the NLO playoffs in Ibadan.[6] Between 2024 and 2025, the team recorded an unbeaten run of 18 Nigeria Nationwide League matches, achieving 15 wins and 3 draws.[7][8]
League Participation and Achievements
Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO)
Magic Stars compete in the NLO. Notable achievements include:
- Nationwide League One Promotion (2024): Achieved after a playoff victory against Ojodu City in Ibadan.[9]
Viareggio Cup (2025)
In March 2025, Magic Stars participated in the 75th Viareggio Cup in Italy. They were drawn in Group C:
- vs. Casarano U19 – 2–1 win
- vs. APIA Leichhardt U19 – 4–0 win
- vs. Sassuolo U19 – 3–0 win
They defeated Vis Pesaro 5–0 in the Round of 16 before losing to Genoa U19 in the quarter-finals.[10]
Management and Technical Staff[11]
- Chairman / President: Kayode Akanji Agboola
- Director of Football: Isaac Iseoluwa Oluwatobi
- Technical Consultant: Mathew Olorunleke
- Head Coach: Bisoye Henshaw
Community Engagement and Development
Magic Stars FC engages in youth development through scouting tournaments and collaborations with grassroots football programs in Lagos. The club plans to establish a residential academy to support player development and create pathways for Nigerian talents to join domestic and international clubs.[12]
References
- ^ "Viareggio Cup experience fueled Magic Stars' unbeaten NLO run – Agboola". Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ Oyebola, Mike (2024-08-24). "Transfer: Romanian club, Dinamo Bucharest sign Nigerian youngster". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ Akinsanmi, 'Sola (2025-04-26). "Magic Stars FC thrash Synergy Ultimate with record-setting opener in NLO clash". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ "NLO Leads Club Chairmen On 8-Days UK Business Tour – NLO". Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ Adebayo, Olusola (2025-05-19). "NLO 25: How Viariegio Cup Experience Help Our NLO Campaign - Magic Stars FC Boss". Sports247 Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ Adesanya, Taiwo (2024-06-10). "NLO Playoff: Five teams secure NNL promotion". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ "Viareggio Cup experience fueled Magic Stars' unbeaten NLO run – Agboola". Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ Adewole, Segun (2025-05-11). "Viareggio Cup experience fuelled Magic Stars' unbeaten NLO run – Agboola". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ Rapheal (2024-06-16). "Agboola hails Magic Stars on NNL promotion". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ "Viareggio Cup experience fueled Magic Stars' unbeaten NLO run – Agboola". Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ SPORTS, BSN. "Adiele Wins Magic Stars Player Of The Season Award". Adiele Wins Magic Stars Player Of The Season Award. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
- ^ Adebayo, Olusola (2025-05-15). "NLO25: Magic Stars Seal Playoff Spot in Style at Lagos Legacy A Center". Sports247 Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-12-08.