Grassroots soccer tourney: Chukwudi Ogbolu Kids Cup begins in Ilorin
The 7th edition of the Dr. Chukwudi Ogbolu Kids Cup will kick off in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Monday, November 16, 2026.
The tournament, which is geared towards the discovery, development and nurturing of young talents at the grassroots, is sponsored by Dr. Chukwudi Ogbolu, a USA-based medical practitioner, lover of kiddies football, great philanthropist and the Life Patron of Arsenal Kiddies Football Academy.
Tagged “The Tournament of Young Prodigies,” it is the biggest kiddies soccer fiesta in Nigeria.
So far, 32 grassroots kiddies teams have indicated interest in participating in the competition, with the best players of the tournament going home with juicy awards.
The organizer of the tournament, Coach Soni Omo Ahamioje, in a chat with sports writers said:
”It is a unique avenue to hunt and nurture young talents from the age of 8 to 14 years. It is the 7th edition and registration for the tournament is free. We are not just organizing a competition, we are building the future of Nigerian football from the grassroots.”
The playoff for the tournament begins on Monday, 16th November and the final holds on Sunday, 13th December, 2026.
According to him:..”It is going to be total football coupled with entertainment, skills, colour and glamour. The fans should expect beautiful football, discipline, and the emergence of new stars.”
At the end of the competition, the best players will be sponsored to partake in the screening exercises of some top-notch academies across the country. Outstanding players will also be monitored and mentored to ensure their talents are not wasted.
He also promised to organize a hitch-free tournament that will be worthy of emulation, with adequate security, medical personnel, and fair officiating at all match venues.
Over the years, the Dr. Chukwudi Ogbolu Kids Cup has grown to become a household name in grassroots football, producing talented players who have gone on to feature for reputable academies and youth teams across Nigeria. The 7th edition promises to be bigger, better and more competitive than previous editions.
While thanking the sponsor of the competition, Coach Ahamioje called on the well-to-do in the society, corporate organizations and government agencies to emulate the philanthropic spirit of Dr. Ogbolu and assist Nigerian children and youths in both sporting and academic programmes.
“Dr. Ogbolu has continued to invest in the future of these children without asking for anything in return. If more Nigerians can do this, our grassroot football and our nation will be the better for it,” he added.
All participating teams are expected to be of good conduct, while parents, coaches, scouts and football lovers are invited to come and witness the birth of future stars.
