No fewer than 56 grassroots football teams are set to compete in the landmark 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi U-17 Football Tournament, kicking off on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Lagos.
Organised by the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association (LSGSA) and sponsored by SIFAX Group, the annual competition is staged in honour of Dr. Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, in recognition of his enduring commitment to youth and sports development.
This year’s edition will feature 32 male teams and 24 female teams, making it one of the largest and most inclusive youth football tournaments on Lagos State’s grassroots football 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 scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the tournament, the Assistant Secretary of LSGSA, Afuka Abu, described the competition as a proven pathway for discovering and grooming young football talents for professional careers.
“This tournament has consistently provided young players with the structure, exposure and discipline they need to progress to higher levels of the game”, Abu said. “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”.
For a decade, SIFAX Group has sustained its sponsorship of the tournament as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives focused on youth empowerment, sports development and community growth.
The Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations at SIFAX Group, Oliver Omajuwa, said the company’s support is driven by a philosophy that extends beyond business interests.
“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 several outstanding players who have gone on to represent Nigeria at international competitions and secure contracts with clubs in Europe and other global leagues.
Among notable alumni is Samson Tijani, former Golden Eaglets captain discovered at the 2019 edition, who currently plays for Dukla Prague in the Czech Republic. Others include Soliu Afolabi, a former Flying Eagles player now with Slovan Liberec; Chijioke Light, who later represented Nigeria at the WAFU Championship and the Africa Women Cup of Nations; and Ebenezer Ojo of Greater Tomorrow Academy, discovered in 2022 and currently playing in the Norwegian league.
Football stakeholders, talent scouts, former internationals and administrators are expected to attend the matches to identify emerging prospects and provide mentorship to participating players.
The 10th anniversary edition is not only a celebration of a decade of impact but also a renewed commitment to raising the standard of grassroots football development in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association is a non-profit organisation dedicated to discovering and nurturing young football talents through competitive platforms and community-based initiatives.
SIFAX Group is a diversified conglomerate with interests in maritime and logistics, aviation ground handling, oil and gas, and hospitality, with a strong focus on sustainable community development.