Nigeria’s growing grassroots football movement has received another lift as organisers of the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup confirmed that the youth football tournament will return for its fifth edition in 2026.
The announcement was made by the tournament’s sponsor, Akintunde Oyebode, who revealed that the next edition of the competition is scheduled to kick off in July 2026. He explained that the timing was carefully chosen to sustain the momentum of youth engagement through football and expand opportunities for emerging talents.
According to Oyebode, shifting the tournament to mid-year will align it with the football calendar and the school holiday period, making it easier for young players to participate while also giving scouts and football enthusiasts an opportunity to spot promising talents.
The tournament, named after respected international law scholar Akin Oyebode, has grown steadily over the years into a key platform for grassroots football development. It has also become a community-driven sporting event that brings together young players, coaches and supporters.
Meanwhile, the ongoing fourth edition of the competition is gradually reaching a crucial stage. Oyebode expressed satisfaction with how the tournament has progressed so far, noting improvements in organisation and a higher standard of play among participating teams during the group stage.
The competition will resume after the Ramadan break, with qualified teams set to battle for places in the semi-finals as the tournament enters the knockout phase.
Quarter-final matches are scheduled to take place on March 19 at the refurbished Ikole Township Stadium, where football fans are expected to witness intense encounters as teams chase glory in one of the state’s most prominent youth tournaments.
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