A new field sport known as Goldas, short for Golden Age Soccer, has been officially introduced in Nigeria through exhibition matches at the Ejigbo Mini Stadium on Ikotun Road in Lagos. Four teams took part in the weekend games, giving fans a first look at the sport’s distinct style and rules.
The atmosphere at the venue was filled with fun, excitement and entertainment as spectators watched the new form of therapeutic football in action. Organisers described Goldas as a fresh way to enjoy the passion of football while promoting wellness, discipline and teamwork.
Each Goldas team is made up of 19 players, with matches lasting a total of 99 minutes divided into three halves of 33 minutes each. Unlike traditional football, the game is played on an oval shaped pitch designed to resemble the Earth.
Key features of the sport include six match reserves and a rule that ensures equal participation for players. Jerseys carry letters instead of numbers, and the usual yellow and red card system is replaced with white, Earth Brown and black cards for disciplinary issues, plus a Golden Card to reward good behaviour.
Scoring in Goldas goes beyond goals alone, as tactical skills and style of play also count in the assessment of performance. The sport is already being played in Cameroon, South Africa, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.
Dr Ngiejung Nabil, International President of the sport, said the aim is to turn people’s love for football into practical solutions for economic hardship and youth unemployment. He explained that Nigeria was chosen as a key location because of its hardworking youth and status as a major business hub.
Nabil highlighted the growing gap between graduates and available jobs, stressing that the project is focused on helping passionate individuals rather than chasing profit. He believes the structure around Goldas can open up new pathways in sports related careers.
Taiwo Tony Fafowora, Vice President of the sport in Nigeria, said Goldas could create about 377,500 jobs for young people within the next two to three years. He urged Nigerian youths to key into the opportunity and explore roles both on and off the field.
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