No fewer than 56 grassroots soccer groups will compete for honours because the tenth version of the Taiwo Afolabi U-17 Football Tournament which can kick off on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Lagos.
The match, organised by the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association (LSGSA) and sponsored by SIFAX Group, is performed in honour of Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group. It will function 32 male groups and 24 feminine groups, making it one of many largest youth soccer competitions within the state’s grassroots soccer calendar.
Preliminary matches might be held on the Ojo Oniyun Sports Centre, Ebute Metta, and the Anthony Mini Stadium, Gbagada, whereas the grand finale is scheduled for May 2, 2026, on the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Speaking on the press convention to announce the match, Afuka Abu, the Assistant Secretary of LSGSA, described the competitors as a confirmed platform for locating and grooming younger abilities for skilled soccer.
“This tournament has consistently provided young players with the structure, exposure and discipline they need to progress to higher levels of the game. Many of our participants have moved on to national teams and professional clubs, and that remains our goal — to give every talented child a genuine opportunity,” Abu stated.
SIFAX Group has supported the match for a decade as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility dedication to youth empowerment, sports activities growth and neighborhood development.
Oliver Omajuwa, Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations at SIFAX Group, stated the sponsorship is rooted within the firm’s philosophy of making lasting worth past enterprise.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not,” he stated. “This tournament was conceived not just as a competition, but as a platform for discovery, development and hope. For us, Corporate Social Responsibility is a long-term responsibility, not a one-time gesture.”
Over the years, the Taiwo Afolabi Cup has produced a number of standout abilities who’ve gone on to characterize Nigeria and safe contracts with golf equipment in Europe and different worldwide leagues.
Notable gamers found by way of the competitors embody Samson Tijani, former Golden Eaglets captain, found on the 2019 version, who presently performs for Dukla Prague within the Czech Republic; Soliu Afolabi, former Flying Eagles participant, a participant of Slovan Liberec; Chijioke Light, who later represented Nigeria on the WAFU Championship and the Africa Women Cup of Nations, and Ebenezer Ojo of Greater Tomorrow Academy, found in 2022, and presently enjoying within the Norwegian league.
Football stakeholders, scouts, former internationals and directors are anticipated to attend the matches to determine rising abilities and supply steering to collaborating gamers.
The tenth anniversary version won’t solely have a good time a decade of affect but additionally elevate the usual of grassroots soccer growth in Lagos.
About Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association
The Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association is a non-profit organisation devoted to discovering and nurturing younger soccer abilities by way of aggressive platforms and community-based initiatives.
About SIFAX Group
SIFAX Group is a diversified conglomerate with pursuits in maritime and logistics, aviation floor dealing with, oil and gasoline, and hospitality, with a robust give attention to sustainable neighborhood growth.
