By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Naija Drone Soccer League (NDSL) will commence its National Combine 2026 on Monday, October 26, with activities scheduled across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones through November 9.
The initiative aims to introduce more young Nigerians to drone soccer, promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, and create opportunities to explore emerging technologies through sport.
The 15-day programme will take place in Gombe, Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Enugu and Lagos, bringing together prospective participants, educational stakeholders, technical experts and other interested partners.
Technical experts from the United States will participate in the combines, demonstrating drone soccer, showcasing the equipment used in the sport and sharing technical knowledge with Nigerian participants and stakeholders.
In a related development, NDSL has approved the appointments of Mr Nasiru Bello as Team President of the Kano Cyber Eagles and Mr Ibrahim Yunusa as Team President of the Lagos Velocity Storm.
The appointments strengthen the league’s franchise structure as it works towards establishing an organised and sustainable drone soccer ecosystem in Nigeria.
The National Combine will introduce drone soccer to communities across the country while providing opportunities to engage schools, identify prospective talent and lay the groundwork for team development.
Activities will include drone soccer demonstrations, equipment showcases and technical engagement designed to familiarise participants with the sport and its technological applications.
Through the zonal events, NDSL aims to expand participation beyond a single location and encourage collaboration among schools, prospective athletes, technical experts, franchise leaders and other stakeholders.
Technical experts from the United States will demonstrate how drone soccer works, showcase the equipment and provide insights into the sport’s technical requirements.
Their participation will offer Nigerian audiences an opportunity to understand the practical and technological aspects of drone soccer, including its potential to stimulate interest in engineering, innovation and other STEM-related disciplines.
As part of efforts to build an organised competitive league, NDSL has approved two franchise leadership appointments.
Mr. Bello will lead the Kano Cyber Eagles, NDSL’s franchise team for Kano State. His responsibilities are expected to include supporting team development, identifying and nurturing prospective talent, and promoting participation across the North-West geopolitical zone.
Mr. Yunusa has been appointed to lead the Lagos Velocity Storm. He is expected to provide strategic leadership, support team development and promote a culture of innovation, teamwork and competitive excellence.
The appointments are intended to strengthen local leadership, support talent development and establish the organisational structures needed for the league’s expansion.
The North-Central Zonal Combine will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Starville School, Jahi II, Abuja.
The event will showcase drone soccer and its equipment while engaging young people, educational institutions and other stakeholders on the sport’s educational and competitive potential.
NDSL sees schools as important platforms for introducing students to drone soccer and encouraging practical engagement with technology. The sport can provide opportunities to develop teamwork, coordination, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills alongside conventional learning.
Further information on event timings, participation arrangements and access for invited guests or members of the public will be communicated through NDSL’s official channels as details are confirmed.
NDSL’s National Combine forms part of its broader effort to connect sport with technology education and youth development.
Drone soccer combines competitive play with technology-enabled equipment, creating an engaging entry point for young people to explore engineering concepts, coordination and problem-solving.
By extending activities across all six geopolitical zones, the league aims to broaden awareness of the sport, encourage school participation and build relationships that can support its long-term development in Nigeria.
NDSL invites media organisations, educational institutions, community leaders and other interested stakeholders to follow the National Combine and engage with the opportunities it seeks to create.
The Naija Drone Soccer League (NDSL) is a Nigerian initiative focused on developing competitive drone soccer and expanding opportunities for young people to engage with technology through sport.
Through school engagement, zonal combines, technical demonstrations, franchise development and stakeholder collaboration, NDSL aims to promote interest in STEM education and establish a foundation for the growth of drone soccer across Nigeria.
