The Organising Committee of the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup (PAOC 2026) has announced a strategic partnership with Afriskaut, a leading African football scouting and talent identification platform, in a move aimed at boosting opportunities for young players in the grassroots competition.
The collaboration is expected to enhance talent discovery by increasing the visibility of standout players to scouts, clubs, agents and football academies across Africa and the wider international football scene.
According to the organisers, the partnership reinforces the tournament’s core mission of using football as a pathway for youth development and career advancement beyond the grassroots level.
“The Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup was established not only to provide competitive football but also to create genuine opportunities for young talents,” the organisers said.
“Partnering with Afriskaut strengthens our ability to connect deserving players with life-changing opportunities beyond the competition. This is truly a partnership made in heaven.”
With Afriskaut’s scouting and digital talent-tracking platform, exceptional performers at PAOC 2026 will have improved access to exposure and recruitment opportunities within the global football ecosystem.
Over the years, the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup has developed into one of Ekiti State’s most recognised grassroots football tournaments, with a strong focus on discipline, education, professionalism and community development alongside sports development.
The 2026 edition, themed “Building to Last,” marks the fifth anniversary of the competition and will feature youth teams drawn from the 16 Local Football Councils (LFCs) across Ekiti State.
The tournament will also be preceded by a capacity-building seminar on professionalism and the rules guiding grassroots football development.
The organisers commended Afriskaut for supporting the vision of the competition and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that talented players are identified early, properly documented and linked to opportunities that can advance their careers.
