Nigerian students now have the opportunity to hone their skills and get noticed by clubs courtesy of microfinance bank, Moniepoint.

With its inaugural nationwide competition, tagged Monieball Five-A-Side Football Tournament, the bank said the tournament aims to engage Nigerian university students through their passion for football, aligning with its mission to foster financial inclusion and empower African dreams.

According to the organisers, the Monieball Five-A-Side Tournament is targeted at students across eight universities, including host fo the maiden edition, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), University of Calabar (UNICAL), University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Abia State University (ABSU), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA, host), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

It is structured in two groups of four teams, who will start with six group-stage matches to the semifinals and a final with each match lasting 25 minutes per half.

The organisers said that the inaugural tournament will run from October 8 to October 31, 2025, adding, however, that there plans to make it a yearly event with more schools in future editions.

Matches will be hosted at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA), with additional games across the participating universities. The 5-aside format uses smaller pitches for a fast-paced, accessible competition, ensuring scalability and ease of setup.

At the unveiling of the tournament in Lagos at the weekend were Head of Brand at Moniepoint MFB, Anastacia Igbokidi; CEO of Perform Agency, Olamide Adeyemo; NUGA Acting President, Dr. Ajibua Alayode; and NUGA Technical Chairman, Prof. Musa Garba Yakasai.

Also at the event was Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen, who was introduced as Moniepoint’s brand ambassador.

Speaking at the unveiling of the tournament, Moniepoint’s Igbokidi highlighted that the five-a-side format’s compact, scalable nature, adding: “This maiden edition is a pilot. We’re starting with eight schools to ensure quality and impact, with plans to grow next year.”

Also speaking on the competition, NUGA’s Alayode stressed the need to maintain student-only participation, while Prof. Musa Garba Yakasai advocated strong university partnerships to support athletes academically and athletically.