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Twenty-four grassroots football teams have been drawn into six groups as the race for the ₦20 million prize pool in the 2026 edition of the Lagos football tournament enters the group stage.
The draw was conducted on Friday at The Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, following a qualification phase involving 100 teams.
The group stage is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 15, and end on October 8. The final is billed for October 31 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
24 Teams Drawn into Six Groups
The draw produced the following groups:
Group A
Vido SC
Emiloju FC
JP Young Stars FC
BYT Academicals FC
Group B
NewHope Naija FC
Divine Praise FC
Kiraa FA
Crusaders FC
Group C
Ajuwa FC
Tonic FC
Joy Cometh FC
Mega 22 FC
Group D
36 Lions
Ighalo Football Academy
Maryland United FC
Crystal FC
Group E
Inspire Sports Academy
Young Strikers FC
Dynamic FC
AMA Smile FC
Group F
Collins Edwin Sports Club
ECAs FC
Elite Stars FC
AUX FC
The top two teams in each group will qualify automatically for the knockout stage, producing 12 teams.
They will be joined by the four best third-placed teams to complete the 16-team knockout lineup.
The tournament offers a total prize pool of ₦20 million.
The winners will receive ₦10 million, while the runners-up will take home ₦5 million and the third-placed team ₦3 million.
Individual awards will also be presented to outstanding players and coaches.
The competition began in 2023 and has featured young footballers from grassroots clubs.
According to the tournament’s General Manager, Dimeji Adedapo, more than 30 players from previous editions have progressed to professional clubs in Nigeria, other African countries and Europe.
He said the 2026 qualification phase ran from July 23 to September 4, with 100 teams participating over 20 days.
Adedapo also urged the 24 teams to comply with match schedules and competition rules.
He identified late arrival for matches and failure to present enough players as challenges experienced in previous editions.
The tournament will now proceed to the group stage, with teams competing for places in the knockout rounds and the eventual final.
