The Organizing Committee of the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup 2026 has announced Tuesday, July 14, 2026, as the official date for the draw ceremony of the tournament’s landmark 5th edition.
The draw, scheduled to commence at 5:00 p.m., will officially herald the start of another exciting chapter in Ekiti State’s premier grassroots football competition, as participating Local Football Council (LFC) youth teams in the boys’ and girls’ categories learn their group opponents and pathways to glory.
The announcement marks another important milestone in preparations for this year’s tournament, which has earned widespread recognition as one of the state’s most impactful football development initiatives. Since its inception, the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup has evolved beyond a football competition into a respected platform for discovering, nurturing, and promoting young talents while fostering discipline, teamwork, leadership, and community development.
Over the past four editions, the competition has opened doors for numerous promising players by providing exposure to professional clubs, football academies, scouts, and other stakeholders within and beyond Nigeria. The tournament has become a vital pathway for aspiring footballers seeking to transform their talents into successful careers.
According to the Organizing Committee, the 2026 edition promises to be the most memorable in the competition’s history as it celebrates five years of sustained investment in grassroots football development. Participants and football enthusiasts can expect enhanced organization, improved competition standards, expanded talent identification opportunities, increased stakeholder participation, and attractive prizes.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to the vision of the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup: using football as a strategic tool for youth empowerment, talent development, and the long-term growth of the game in Ekiti State.
Further details regarding the venue of the draw ceremony, invited dignitaries, participating teams, and the order of proceedings will be announced in the coming days.
