No fewer than 56 grassroots football teams will compete in the 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi U-17 Football Tournament, scheduled to kick off on February 14, 2026, in Lagos.
The competition, organised by the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association, LSGSA and sponsored by SIFAX Group, will feature 32 male and 24 female teams, making it one of the largest youth football tournaments in Lagos’ grassroots calendar.
Preliminary matches will take place at the Ojo Oniyun Sports Centre, Ebute Metta, and the Anthony Mini Stadium, Gbagada, while the grand finale is billed for May 2, 2026, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
Speaking at a press conference, LSGSA Assistant Secretary, Afuka Abu, described the tournament as a vital platform for talent discovery and development.
“This tournament has consistently provided young players with the structure, exposure and discipline needed to progress to higher levels. Many participants have advanced to national teams and professional clubs,” Abu said.
SIFAX Group has sponsored the competition for a decade as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility focused on youth empowerment and sports development.
According to Oliver Omajuwa, Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations at SIFAX Group, the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to creating long-term value beyond business.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. This tournament serves as a platform for discovery, development and hope,” he stated.
Over the years, the Taiwo Afolabi Cup has produced notable players, including Samson Tijani, former Golden Eaglets captain now with Dukla Prague; Soliu Afolabi of Slovan Liberec; Chijioke Light, who featured in the WAFU Championship and Africa Women Cup of Nations; and Ebenezer Ojo, currently playing in Norway.
Football stakeholders, scouts and administrators are expected to attend the matches as the 10th anniversary edition seeks to further raise the standard of grassroots football development in Lagos.
The Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association is a non-profit body committed to nurturing young football talents, while SIFAX Group is a diversified conglomerate with interests in maritime, aviation, oil and gas, hospitality, and community development.
