The curtain will fall on the seventh edition of the JOF U-13 Cup Football Tournament on Sunday, June 28, 2026, as two emerging grassroots football powerhouses, VI Foot of Ijora and Fortune Football Academy of Oshodi, clash in the championship match at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Sports Arena.
The highly anticipated final is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m., while the third-place playoff between Soccer City FA of Iwaya and Ultimate Football Academy of Coker Aguda will take place at 1 p.m.
Organised by the Lagos State Grassroots Football Association and sponsored by JOF Nigeria Limited, the tournament began on February 6, 2026, featuring 64 youth football clubs drawn from 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos State.
The competition has provided a platform for the discovery and development of young football talents, with a total of 84 matches played across three different pitches in the state during the four-month football fiesta.
Speaking ahead of the final, the Chairman of the JOF U-13 Football Tournament Committee, Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji, expressed satisfaction with the success of this year’s edition.
According to him, the 2026 competition has generated unprecedented excitement among football stakeholders and followers of grassroots sports.
“This year’s edition has been the loudest and most highly anticipated showcase of Lagos’ youngest stars. The JOF U-13 competition has once again spotlighted talented grassroots footballers across the state,” he said.
His remarks underscore the growing significance of grassroots football as a foundation for the future of Nigerian football. While the spotlight often shines on professional leagues and international competitions, the journey of every great footballer begins somewhere — often on community fields and neighbourhood pitches where raw talent is first identified.
The JOF U-13 Cup has become one of those important starting points.
Throughout the tournament, young players gain exposure to organising competition, while coaches and scouts are given opportunities to identify exceptional talent capable of progressing to elite academies and professional clubs.
The tournament also reflects the power of corporate social responsibility in sports development. For JOF Nigeria Limited, this initiative is an investment in youth empowerment and community development. By supporting grassroots football, the company is helping to create opportunities for children who may otherwise lack access to structured sporting platforms.
This year’s edition received strong corporate support, reflecting growing confidence in grassroots football as a driver of social impact and talent development. Corporate partners include First Bank Plc, Nestlé Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and Custodian Investment Plc.
As excitement builds toward the final, organisers have announced attractive prizes for the winners, first runners-up, and second runners-up. Individual awards will also be presented to outstanding players who distinguished themselves during the competition.
The closing ceremony is expected to attract an impressive gathering of stakeholders, including former Nigerian football internationals, sports administrators, corporate leaders, and football enthusiasts. Confirmed guests include the Chairman and CEO of JOF Nigeria Limited, Dr. Olusegun Olugboyegun, and his wife, Mrs. Bola Olugboyegun.