Dannaz Empire Records Historic Milestone In Lagos Football
By Saheed Afolabi
Against all odds, Dannaz Empire have achieved a feat never before seen in Lagos football. The club’s men’s and women’s teams have both conquered the Lagos FA Cup to produce a watershed moment.
The Dannaz FC men and women’s team made history by becoming the first football household team to win the Lagos FA Cup in the men and women’s category.
It’s rather a rare feat and act of management brilliance to achieve the record making feat in Lagos football.
Dannaz FC established in 2016 by Danny Nazzal weathered the storm in the grassroots before finding their feet in the arena. Six year later, the Cedars achieved their major monumental glory as they defeated Ottasolo FC in the final of the 2022 Lagos FA Cup 3-1 despite going into the final with the underdog tag, they shook nerves in carving their name on the history books of Lagos FA.
Dannaz Ladies came into the fray in 2018, after competing in the shadows for awhile, they took the bull by the horn to win their maiden significant honor as they edged Unification Ladies 1-0 in the 2025 Lagos FA Cup final. This achievement puts them at par with their men’s counterpart.
Founder of Dannaz FC, Danny Nazzal is astonished with the watershed historic achievement of the team while he acknowledges the impacts of the coaches, players and fans for being part of the milestone achieved by the club.
“When I started Dannaz Empire in 2016, it was a dream. A passion. We wanted to give young talent in Lagos a platform, a chance. But to see both our men’s and women’s teams holding the Lagos FA Cup trophies? That’s beyond anything I could have imagined.
“Our players believed. Our coaches believed. And look where we are now! This isn’t just about winning trophies. It’s about the journey, the dedication, the sheer heart these teams have shown.
“This record, this historic achievement. It’s for everyone who believed in Dannaz Empire, for every player who poured their heart out on the pitch, for every fan who cheered us on. We’ve made history, and it’s a moment I will never forget. This is for Lagos, this is for the future of football in our community.”
