After more than four months of thrilling competition, youthful passion and emerging talent, the curtain will finally fall on the 7th edition of the JOF U-13 Cup Football Tournament on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Sports Arena.

The much-anticipated final will see VI Foot of Ijora take on Fortune Football Academy of Oshodi in a battle for the championship title at 3 p.m. At the same time, Soccer City FA of Iwaya and Ultimate Football Academy of Coker Aguda will clash in the third-place playoff at 1 p.m.

For the young footballers who have participated in this year’s tournament, the occasion represents far more than a race for silverware. It marks the culmination of months of dedication, sacrifice and perseverance in a competition designed to identify and nurture the next generation of Nigerian football stars.

Since its kickoff on February 6, 2026, the tournament has brought together 64 teams representing the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of Lagos State. Across 84 matches played on three venues, spectators have witnessed remarkable displays of talent, determination and sportsmanship from some of the state’s brightest young prospects.

Over the years, the JOF U-13 Cup has evolved beyond a grassroots football competition into a platform for talent discovery and youth development. It has become a stage where young players gain valuable exposure to organised football while learning essential life values such as teamwork, discipline, leadership and resilience.

Organised by the Lagos State Grassroots Football Association and sponsored by JOF Nigeria Limited, the tournament has earned a reputation as one of Lagos State’s most impactful youth football programmes, creating opportunities for aspiring footballers to showcase their abilities before coaches, scouts and football administrators.

Speaking ahead of the grand finale, Chairman of the JOF U-13 Football Tournament Committee, Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji, described the 2026 edition as the most exciting and widely followed in the competition’s history.

“This year’s edition has been the loudest and most highly anticipated showcase of Lagos’ youngest stars. The JOF U-13 competition has once again spotlighted talented grassroots footballers across the state,” Adetunji said.

His remarks highlight the critical role grassroots football continues to play in the development of Nigerian football. While professional leagues and international competitions often dominate headlines, the foundation of every successful football career is laid on community pitches where young talents first learn the game and begin to dream.

For many participants, the JOF U-13 Cup has provided that vital first step. The competition offers a structured environment where talent can flourish and where exceptional players can attract the attention of elite academies and professional clubs.

The tournament also demonstrates the growing importance of private-sector involvement in sports development. Through its sponsorship, JOF Nigeria Limited has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and community development by creating opportunities for children to pursue their sporting ambitions in a supportive and competitive environment.

This year’s competition enjoyed significant corporate backing, underscoring increasing confidence in grassroots football as a vehicle for social impact and talent development. Supporting partners include First Bank Plc, Nestlé Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Custodian Investment Plc.

As anticipation builds toward the final whistle, organisers have announced attractive prizes for the champions, runners-up and third-place team, alongside individual awards for outstanding performers throughout the tournament.

The closing ceremony is expected to draw a distinguished audience comprising former Nigerian internationals, sports administrators, corporate executives and football enthusiasts. Among the expected guests are the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of JOF Nigeria Limited, Dr. Olusegun Olugboyegun, and his wife, Mrs. Bola Olugboyegun.

As the final chapter of the 2026 tournament unfolds, attention will not only be on who lifts the trophy but also on the young talents whose performances may signal the emergence of future stars of Nigerian football. For many of them, the journey is only just beginning.