Sports
2026 National Schools Football Championship Gains Momentum as Registrations Hit Milestone
Preparations have gathered pace for the 2026 National Schools Football Championship, with a surge in registrations marking a major milestone ahead of the nationwide competition.
The tournament, endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), aims to provide a structured platform for students to showcase their talents while strengthening the pipeline for Nigeria’s Under-15 and Under-17 national teams.
The competition will kick off in May across the 36 states and the FCT, with schools competing at state level before advancing to regional stages. Winners from the six geopolitical zones will then converge in Abuja for the grand finale in June 2026, featuring both boys’ and girls’ teams.
Speaking on the initiative, CEO of Kickstart Sports Foundation, Ibrahim Bello, described the project as a long-term investment in Nigerian football, focused not only on talent discovery but also on structured development. He added that standout players will undergo advanced training under top coaches and gain exposure to local and international scouts.
Bello also highlighted the collaboration with key stakeholders, including the NFF, noting that national team coaches, as well as international academies and clubs, will scout players during the tournament.
He further explained that the championship is a landmark initiative, being fully age-verified, safeguarded, and gender-inclusive, with participation restricted strictly to school-based athletes. The use of NIMC-integrated biometric verification is also expected to eliminate age fraud and ensure credibility in the competition.
The competition will also provide an opportunity for Physical Education teachers from participating schools to receive training and obtain certified football coaching licenses.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
