Sports
Rising Stars League Rewards Excellence, Charts Path for Grassroots Football Growth
Joel Ajayi
In what many have described as one of the fastest-growing and most impactful grassroots leagues in Nigeria, the Rising Stars Football League (RSFL), a non-government sports initiative under the Rising Stars Football Club, on Sunday celebrated its season achievements in grand style.
The prestigious event, held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, drew football stakeholders, enthusiasts, and supporters who gathered to honour the league’s remarkable progress and the individuals who contributed to its breakout success.
The celebration marked the end of a season defined by impressive performances and meaningful youth empowerment across communities.
RSFL recognized outstanding talents with major awards. The Youngest Player of the Season, the Highest Goal Scorer, and the Coach of the Season each received ₦500,000, while the league’s Most Valuable Player walked away with a ₦1,000,000 prize—an unprecedented gesture in Nigeria’s grassroots football space.
Speaking during the official launch of the Rising Stars Football League NGO, which sets the stage for the league’s second season, Coordinator Ifeanyi Kamal praised the progress made so far and emphasized the league’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young athletes.
The atmosphere throughout the awards ceremony was electric. Despite operating with limited resources in its first season, RSFL delivered exceptional production quality, tight security, and a well-organized league that left attendees impressed by the level of professionalism on display.
With the foundation solidly laid, attention has now turned to the future. Organizers are looking to broaden their reach by attracting more sponsors, partners, and supporters.
“Now imagine what we can accomplish with stronger support. That’s why we’re bringing everyone together—people who love football and want to help us take this project to the next level.”
The awards did more than celebrate achievements—they served as an empowerment platform for young Nigerians with football dreams. “Money motivates,” the organizer explained. “Sometimes financial support is the best encouragement. Empowerment—morally, psychologically, and financially—is at the heart of what we’re doing.”
Despite growing anticipation ahead of the next edition, the team remains confident and unshaken. “There’s no pressure,” the organizer said with a smile. “I trust my team; we’re always several steps ahead. Just wait for the next edition you’ll see for yourself.”
With unwavering confidence, growing recognition, and a clear vision, the Rising Stars Football League is on track to redefine the landscape of grassroots football in Nigeria.
While speaking the FCT FA Secretary Coach Haruna Ilerika also heap Praises on the initiators
While he pledged to create more enabling environment for many young Nigeria to thrive in life
Speaking also was ex internationals Nosa Igebor, Juwon Osiniwa, Sunday Ubah and host of other ex-international who graced the occasion thumbed the organizers as they said that the initiative will not only assist young ones but it will help them to fulfil their dream in Life.
Sports
11 Days to AACT 2026: Munir Tijjani Assures of Nigeria’s Readiness, Government Support
Joel Ajayi
With 11 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), the championship consultant, Munir Tijjani, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparedness to host the continental women’s golf championship, citing the support of government agencies and key stakeholders.
Tijjani said preparations were progressing with the cooperation of relevant institutions and stakeholders, expressing optimism that Nigeria would deliver a successful championship that showcases the country’s organisational capacity and hospitality to participating African nations.
He noted that the support received from government agencies and other partners had been important to the preparations, helping to strengthen coordination and the arrangements required to welcome teams from across the continent.
The AACT consultant also assured participating countries and golfers that the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja would be open for the championship, expressing confidence in the venue’s readiness to host the competition.
The assurance comes as preparations enter their final phase ahead of the tournament, which will bring together women golfers representing their countries in a contest for continental honours.
For Nigeria, hosting the championship offers an opportunity to promote women’s golf, strengthen sporting relationships across Africa and showcase the country as a destination for international sporting events.
Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following the 1996 edition at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 championship at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
The 2026 tournament is scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the Abuja golf course, with about 30 African countries expected to participate.
Under the slogan “Uniting Africa through the greens,” the championship aims to bring African nations together through women’s golf while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism and broader continental cooperation.
With 11 days remaining, the Local Organising Committee and its partners are intensifying final preparations to ensure Nigeria welcomes Africa for a memorable championship.
11 DAYS TO GO.
AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.
AFRICA IS COMING TO ABUJA.
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