150 teams compete for Mobil Naija Cup ₦5 million

150 teams compete for Mobil Naija Cup ₦5 million

By Admin 

A staggering sum of five million Naira (₦ 5, 000,,000) is available as 150 youth teams will compete for bragging rights at the inaugural Mobil Naija Cup, starting March 2 at the Inspire Sports Academy Pitch, Cappa- Lagos. 

The 150 teams are drawn from five zones: Lagos, Akure, Benin, Ilorin, and Enugu. 

At the Lagos Zonal draws on Saturday, Francis Ogette, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Head of Inspire Sports Academy, said: ” The Mobil Naija Cup promises to be an exciting and action- filled tournament showcasing emerging football talent in thU-1616 category. 

"The first stage of the tournament, which will be a knockout format, involves 150 youth teams representing top talents from different zones. 

"Zonal Playoffs in all five zones will determine nine teams that qualify for the National Finals, with Lagos contributing four teams. 

"It' s a winner- takes- all competition designed to be very competitive and thrilling. The Organising Committee has also implemented mechanisms to prevent age cheats, as the tournament is for players within thU-1616 age bracket."

After the Lagos Zone draw, which involved 35 teams, Telu from Iwo, Osun State, will face Olympique Lagos FA in the opening match of the Zonal Playoffs on March 2 at Inspire Sports Academy. 

Goriola Oladapo, Distribution Business Consultant, and Olarewaju Ayonniyi, Field Marketing Advisor emphasized the importance of the 2026 Mobil Naija Cup. 

"Grassroots football is vital for development. Our goal is to make the Mobil Naija Cup a source of pride for all Nigerians, as we are passionate about the beautiful game. 

"The tournament aims to identify and nurture emerging talents, potentially producing future stars like Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid). 

"Mobil also uses this championship to engage with the youth, fostering values of fair play and leadership development."

The head of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), a former assistant coach of Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Popoola Yinka (Gullit), highlighted why the Mobil Naija Cup kicks off with a Knockout round.

"After reaching 150 teams in collaboration with the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YUSFON), we recognised the importance of starting the Mobil Naija Gup with the best possible format. This was crucial to prevent it from becoming overwhelming for the LOC and participating teams across the five zones.

"The zonal stage will be knockout format, including teams from various states within each zone. Due to the high number of teams in Lagos Zone, four teams will advance to the National Playoffs, while one team from each of the other four zones will qualify.

"The National Playoffs will feature a Group Phase, culminating in the grand finale on March 25, 26, and 28."