Organizers of the 2025 edition of the Aare Bash Fakorede U-15 Cup have unveiled an ambitious plan for this year’s tournament, which is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, May 3, at Ojo Oniyun Field, Apapa Road, Lagos.
The announcement was made during a media parley on Thursday at the Lekki office of the tournament sponsor, Aare Bash Fakorede, in collaboration with the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association.
This year’s edition will mark a significant milestone with the introduction of a maiden female category. A total of 32 male teams and 24 female teams will compete for top honours in their respective categories.
According to the organizers, the female teams will commence their campaign on Saturday, May 10, at the Elegbeta Pitch, Lagos Island, with the grand finale for both male and female categories set for August 10.
Speaking at the press briefing, Aare Bash Fakorede expressed his commitment to delivering a successful and entertaining tournament. He emphasized that the competition is not just about football, but a platform to spotlight emerging talents before a large audience.
“I’m happy to invite everyone to this memorable occasion—not just to watch football, but to witness the energy and potential of our future generation,” Fakorede stated. “Beyond the applause, we have provided monetary rewards for the top teams to encourage their efforts and excellence.”
The prize breakdown for the male category includes N750,000 for the champions, N500,000 for the runners-up, N300,000 for third place, and N200,000 for fourth place. For the female category, winners will receive N400,000, with N300,000, N200,000, and N100,000 going to the second, third, and fourth-placed teams respectively.
Fakorede also called on all participating teams to embody the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
“I assure you; all hands are on deck to ensure a smooth and successful tournament. We’ve put everything necessary in place, and we are hopeful it all works for the best,” he concluded.
The Aare Bash Fakorede U-15 Cup continues to serve as a vibrant platform for grassroots football development in Lagos, nurturing young talents and promoting community engagement through sports.