Lagos has a high-energy sports culture, and finding a pickup game locally known as a “set” is usually a matter of showing up at the right time. Most games happen in the early mornings (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM) or late afternoons (4:30 PM – 7:00 PM) on weekends.

So if you are looking for football, basketball, or volleyball action happening right now in your area, this guide helps you locate and join pickup games across Lagos.

Where to Find Pickup Games in Lagos

Lagos Island, Ikoyi & Victoria Island

The “Island” offers a mix of high-end private courts and legendary public spaces.

• Campos Memorial Mini Stadium (Lagos Island): A historic spot for 5-a-side football and basketball. It’s right in the heart of the city and very popular for evening games.

• Onikan Stadium (Mobolaji Johnson Arena): While it hosts professional matches, the surrounding areas and the pitch itself are often used for community sports and organised amateur sessions.

• Upbeat Recreation Centre (Lekki Phase 1): A more modern, premium venue. You’ll find consistent basketball and football pickup games here, though there is usually an entry/pitch fee.

• Leisure Sports Park (Lekki): Located near Elegushi, this is a hub for football, basketball, and even paintball. Great for meeting other recreational players.

• YMCA (Awolowo Road, Ikoyi): A classic spot for basketball enthusiasts. Many veteran and amateur ballers gather here for morning runs.

Surulere & Yaba

This is the heart of Lagos sports.

• National Stadium & Teslim Balogun Stadium (Surulere): This is the “Mecca” of Lagos sports. Every weekend, thousands gather here for football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis. Just walk around the outer pitches or the indoor halls; someone is always looking for an extra player.

• Rowe Park Sports Centre (Yaba): One of the best places for basketball in Lagos. The courts are almost always active with local talent.

• Unilag Sports Centre (Akoka): Open to the public (though you may need to pay a small gate fee). The “Maracana” pitch is legendary for football sets, and the basketball courts are world-class for pickup games.

• LUTH (Idi-Araba): The Lagos University Teaching Hospital has a well-known outdoor basketball court that attracts a lot of local players.

Ikeja & Mainland West

For those in the capital or further inland.

• Ilupeju Basketball Court: A very active community court located on Ilupeju Industrial Avenue. It has a strong local community of regular players.

• Agege Stadium: Known as the “Soccer Temple.” While used for big matches, the surrounding spaces and community games nearby are constant.

• Police College (Ikeja): A massive open ground often used for large-scale football pickup games and athletics.

• Abesan Mini Stadium (Ipaja): A fantastic community hub with facilities for football, basketball, and volleyball.

Quick Tips for Newcomers Joining Pick-up Games

1. The “Set” System: Most pickup games are played as “winner stays on.” If you arrive alone, ask who the “organizer” or “captain” is and tell them you want to join the next available set.

2. Fees: Public courts like the National Stadium or Rowe Park are usually free or require a tiny “maintenance fee” (₦200–₦500). Private ones like Upbeat or Leisure Sports Park will cost significantly more (₦2,000+ per session).

3. Booking: If you have a group, the LSSC Booking Portal (facilities.lssc.lg.gov.ng) is now the official way to reserve government-owned pitches.

4. Arrive early to weekend games. They fill up quickly and you want to maximize the time you spend there.

How to Use SportConn to Find Games

Instead of driving around hoping to find a game, use SportConn to see what’s happening near you:

1. Download the SportConn app from Google Play or App Store.

2. Set your location to your current area in Lagos.

3. Browse available pickup games filtered by sport, distance, and time.

4. Join a game with one tap to see who’s playing, when, and where.

5. Get directions directly to the venue.

The app shows you real-time games posted by other players in your area, so you’ll never miss out on sports action near you.

Start playing today. Whether you prefer using SportConn’s app to discover games instantly or visiting the venues listed above, your next pickup game in Lagos is waiting for you.