No fewer than 16 youth football teams from across the region have confirmed their participation in the highly anticipated Seyi Tinubu Citizens Cup Football Tournament, which is scheduled to kick off on April 12 and run through April 19 in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
The tournament, which promises to be a thrilling celebration of talent, unity, and ambition, is rapidly gaining recognition not just as a sporting event, but as a powerful youth empowerment initiative. The competition is open to players aged 18 to 25, creating a fertile ground for aspiring footballers to showcase their potential on a competitive stage, while also drawing attention from scouts, coaches, and stakeholders in Nigerian football.
Addressing journalists during a press conference held in Ilorin on Thursday, Bello Olamilekan, Chairman of the Organising Committee, described the event as a transformative platform aimed at igniting the aspirations of young Nigerians and channeling their passion into purpose.
�This tournament is more than just football,� Olamilekan stated. �It�s a movement � a call to action for our generation to step up and shape the future. We are not waiting on change; we are becoming the change. Through this tournament, we are creating space for talent, discipline, and ambition to flourish.�
Participating teams include a mix of grassroots football academies and rising local clubs such as NA Royals, Skills FC, Morrow International FC, Ka�ah FC, FC Zeus, Alabama FA, Kwara Football Academy, Unity FA, Tsaragi Emirate FA, Eagle Stars FC, JAAD FA, AbraySports FA, D�Aztecs, La Planet FA, Asa United, and Legal Stars FC. These teams represent the diversity and depth of footballing talent in the region and are expected to bring a high level of energy and competitiveness to the pitch.
Beyond competition, the Seyi Tinubu Citizens Cup doubles as a scouting platform for professional clubs and football development programs. Talent scouts and technical experts will be in attendance throughout the tournament, offering standout players the potential to take their careers to the next level.
In his remarks, Olamilekan extended heartfelt appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his unwavering commitment to youth development and sports infrastructure in the state. �Governor AbdulRazaq�s investment in sports is a lifeline,� he said. �It�s not only keeping the youth engaged but also building a foundation for a Kwara that doesn�t just survive, but truly thrives.�
He also praised Seyi Tinubu, the visionary behind the tournament, for his steadfast dedication to empowering the Nigerian youth through meaningful opportunities.
�Seyi Tinubu understands that football, at its core, is a language spoken by every Nigerian child who dreams,� Olamilekan noted. �He�s not just organizing a tournament � he�s creating a platform that bridges dreams with opportunity, that tells every young player: �You matter, your dreams are valid, and this is your moment.��
As the tournament prepares to kick off, participating athletes are being encouraged to embrace the opportunity not just as a chance to win, but to grow. Bello challenged the young footballers to play with integrity, courage, and heart.
�This is about more than a trophy,� he concluded. �This is about discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and the relentless spirit that defines true champions. Whether on the field or in life, these are the values that will carry them far. We want every player to leave this tournament not just better athletes, but better individuals.�
With energy building and preparations in full swing, the Seyi Tinubu Citizens Cup is set to become one of the most inspiring youth football tournaments in Nigeria � blending sport, vision, and empowerment into one unforgettable event
