About 56 men and women’s teams drawn from across Lagos are set for the ninth edition of the Bola Akindele U-15 Football Tournament scheduled to kick off on July 25, 2026, at Ojoniyun Sports Centre, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

According to the organisers, the competition has 32 men’s and 24 women’s sides, with the opening match featuring Webstar FC of Ikorodu against Warrior FC of Mushin in the boys’ category.

The grand finale will be on August 30, 2026.

Speaking at a press conference and trophy presentation ceremony yesterday, the tournament sponsor and the Group Managing Director, Courteville Business Solutions Plc, Dr Adebola Akindele, said the yearly sports initiative is creating career opportunities and helping young Nigerians build sustainable livelihoods through football.

Akindele reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth development through sports, noting that the tournament was designed to identify and nurture young talents while contributing to the country’s social and economic development.

He noted that investing in grassroots football gives young boys and girls the opportunity to develop their abilities, remain engaged in productive activities and ultimately make meaningful contributions to Nigeria.

Akindele said that the competition represents the organisers’ contribution to youth development by providing opportunities for students and aspiring footballers to showcase their talents and pursue careers in the sport.

According to him, efforts were underway to secure stronger participation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), while calling on football club owners, talent scouts and other stakeholders in the football ecosystem to attend the tournament and identify promising players for club and national team opportunities.

Chairman, Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association, Paul Freeman, described the yearly tournament as a platform for nurturing young footballers, building character and promoting unity through sports.

According to Freeman, who was represented by the association’s Secretary, Aliu Olawale Ganiu, the Bola Akindele tournament has continued to provide opportunities for aspiring footballers to showcase their talents while fostering discipline, teamwork and healthy competition.

Freeman disclosed that lessons from the previous eight editions informed improvements for this year’s competition, especially introducing measures aimed at making it the most successful grassroots football tournament hosted in Lagos State.