Phoenix Athletics Sports Limited, managers of the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup, has successfully secured a strategic partnership with scouting and talent discovery platform Afriskaut as part of efforts to enhance player visibility and opportunities ahead of the 2026 edition of the tournament.
The partnership was formally unveiled during the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup 2026 One-Day Seminar and Workshop organised and coordinated by Phoenix Athletics Sports Limited in Ado Ekiti for stakeholders, participants, coaches, team coordinators and representatives of Local Football Councils (LFCs).
The seminar was designed to educate participants on the rules, registration procedures, expectations and operational guidelines for the fifth anniversary edition of the competition themed “Building to Last.”
Speaking at the event, the sponsor of the competition, Hon. Akintunde Oyebode, Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance, who was represented by Hon. Aziz Kaka Ogunlayi, charged participants to uphold the values and integrity that have made the tournament one of the leading grassroots football competitions in Ekiti State.
He described football as a powerful platform for promoting friendship, discipline, teamwork and youth development, urging players and officials to embrace the ideals of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Delivering a keynote address, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Football Association, Chief Oluwole Oloworemo, commended Hon. Oyebode for his unwavering commitment to grassroots football development and talent discovery.
Chief Oloworemo further encouraged individuals, corporate organisations and football stakeholders to support initiatives that promote youth engagement through sports, noting that the Football Association remains committed to creating an enabling environment for football development across the state.
The Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Athletics Sports Limited, Mr. Bayo-lanlege Kehinde, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to using the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup as a platform for talent identification, player development, education and career advancement.
He condemned all forms of violence, intimidation and assault against match officials, stressing that discipline, professionalism and respect for the laws of the game remain critical pillars of the competition.
A major highlight of the seminar was the official announcement of Phoenix Athletics Sports Limited’s partnership with Afriskaut, a leading football scouting and talent discovery platform that connects emerging players with clubs, scouts and football opportunities across Africa and beyond.
Representing Afriskaut, the Chief Executive Officer of R2 Finesse Football Academy, Mr. Adejumo Raji, delivered a practical session demonstrating how players can create profiles, showcase their abilities and leverage the platform to attract scouting and career opportunities.
The seminar also featured technical presentations by members of the Ekiti State Referees Council, who educated participants on the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game as approved by the International Football Association Board.
Participants praised both the sponsor and Phoenix Athletics Sports Limited for the initiative, describing the seminar as a valuable educational platform that will contribute to a more professional and successful tournament.
Phoenix Athletics Sports Limited subsequently urged all participating Local Football Councils to conclude player registrations and complete all necessary preparations ahead of the commencement of the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup 2026.
