The 5th edition of the Joseph Aranloye Fakayode (JAFAK) Memorial Soccer Cup will kick off on September 21, 2026, with 16 teams drawn into four groups to battle for honours in the grassroots football competition.
The draw ceremony, held on Tuesday, September 15, at the Conference Room of the Kwara Football Academy, Ilorin, also witnessed renewed commitment from the Fakayode family, organisers and partners, with the prize money for this year’s edition increased as part of efforts to make the competition bigger and more rewarding.
The winner is expected to sme home with half a million, while the second and the third placed teams will get N300, 000 and N200, 000 respectively. Individual prizes are also be made available.
The participating teams were divided into four groups of four, with the draw producing a number of interesting pairings.
In Group A are Kzeez, who are the defending champions, Team of God, Okaa FC and Polo Bar FC. Abraysports FC tops Group B, which also has Royal FC, JAD FC and Police Machine. Group C has Abrasport, Young Talent, Real Eagles and Kwaziru FC, while the last group, Group D has Stafford FC, Bestalonix, Retina FC and New Stars.
The competition, which is being organised in memory of late Joseph Aranloye Fakayode, has continued to grow from a modest grassroots initiative into an increasingly recognised platform for discovering, nurturing and exposing young football talents.
Speaking virtually during the draw ceremony, sponsor Olanrewaju Fakayode expressed appreciation to the organisers and participating teams for sustaining the competition, stressing that the tournament could only get better with continued commitment from all stakeholders.
Fakayode urged the coaches and players to demonstrate discipline, sportsmanship and commitment throughout the competition, saying that such values were central to sustaining the ideals and virtues associated with the late Joseph Aranloye Fakayode.
He encouraged the participants to see the tournament not merely as an avenue to win trophies and prize money, but also as a platform for personal development and the promotion of positive values among young people.
Speaking on behalf of the competition’s partners, RingoNG, Wale Bamigboye described the partnership as one that had evolved significantly over the years.
According to him, what started as an idea has developed into a vision and has now grown into a movement worthy of celebration, particularly with the tournament reaching its fifth edition.
Bamigboye said RingoNG’s philosophy centres on people, communities and security concerns, noting that the organisation’s mandate aligns with youth development, particularly through sporting activities.
He said the partnership with the JAFAK Cup was therefore, a natural fit, as football provides an avenue to engage young people positively while creating opportunities for talent discovery and community development.
Also speaking, Dimeji Adefila, Chief Technical Innovator at RingoNG, said the organisation was proud to be associated with the tournament.
Adefila noted that football was “more than just a game”, adding that RingoNG’s involvement was also part of its commitment to giving back to society and supporting initiatives that positively impact young people.
The coaches and players were also taken through relevant aspects of the Laws of the Game, including recent amendments that will apply during the competition.
The technical session, delivered by Samshudeen Ẹkún, focused particularly on changes designed to improve the flow of matches, protect players and strengthen the integrity of the game.
He explained that Laws of the Game are periodically amended to enhance player safety, protect the integrity of football and close tactical loopholes that could otherwise be exploited.
He particularly highlighted the increasing emphasis on time management, explaining that football’s governing authorities are seeking to ensure more actual playing time and reduce deliberate time-wasting.
He also outlined the different sanctions that could be applied to players or teams for violations during matches, urging all participants to familiarise themselves with the rules before the competition begins.
The Director of Football, ABS FC, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, alongside the Proprietor of Abraysports, Mallam Abdullahi Adekunle Yusuf, and his brother, Mr Muyiwa Yusuf, commended the Fakayode family and the organisers for sustaining the competition over the years.
They also praised the participating teams for identifying with the tournament and contributing to its growth.
Chief Chukwuemeka, in particular, pledged his continued support for the initiative, describing the competition as a valuable platform for grassroots football development, as Mr. Muyiwa supported with N100, 000.
The Chief Organiser, Lekan Olanrewaju, in his reaction said that the draw was fair, even as he wished the teams best of luck.
While commending Fakayode family for their support and commitment, he described them as fantastic. He equally thanked the partners, RingoNG, the Kwara State Sports Commission, Kwara Football Academy and other stakeholders for their support.
With the draw now concluded, attention shifts to preparations for the September 21,2026 kick-off, as the 16 teams begin their quest for the 5th JAFAK Memorial Soccer Cup title.
The tournament is expected to provide another opportunity for young footballers to showcase their abilities, compete in a structured environment and attract the attention of coaches, scouts and football stakeholders.
