…….As Chairman’s Cup Producing National Stars
By Emmanuel Ikpeama
The Executive Chairman of Òdì-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Dr. Seyi Jakande, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development with the official flag-off of the sixth edition of the Chairman’s Cup, a football competition that has grown into one of Lagos State’s leading platforms for discovering and nurturing young talents.
Speaking during the press conference and official draw ceremony held at the council secretariat on Friday, Dr. Jakande described the annual tournament as more than just a football competition, saying it has become a vehicle for creating opportunities, promoting unity, and transforming the lives of young people through sports.
According to him, the Chairman’s Cup has expanded significantly over the years, attracting clubs from different parts of Lagos State and neighbouring communities. This year’s edition will feature teams including Future Stars FC of Ibafo and Lakeside Queens of Ikenne, while Ijamido Queens of Ota failed to qualify for the competition.
The council boss noted that the tournament has consistently produced footballers who have risen from grassroots competition to represent Nigeria at national and international levels, making the Chairman’s Cup a proven talent development programme.
“This tournament is not just about football; it is about giving our youths opportunities, creating memories, and building futures. The Chairman’s Cup has produced players who have gone on to represent Nigeria at national and international levels, and this season will continue that tradition,” Jakande stated.
Highlighting the tournament’s remarkable achievements, the chairman disclosed that several players discovered through previous editions have gone on to play for professional clubs and national teams. Among them are Esther Sunday of Unification, Ebube Jessica of Heartland, Timileyin Agbonjimi of Ablaze, Toheebat Niniola of AOA, and Jane of Nasarawa Amazons.
He further revealed that many former participants have represented their respective states at the National Sports Festival, while six players featured at the prestigious Gothia World Youth Games in Gothenburg, Sweden, and another five are currently participating in the Dana Cup in Denmark, all under sponsorship provided by the LCDA.
Dr. Jakande added that several alumni of the Chairman’s Cup have secured careers in the Nationwide League One (NLO), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship, and the NWFL Premiership, demonstrating the tournament’s growing reputation as a launchpad for professional football careers.
As part of efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure within the council, he announced that all matches in this year’s competition will be played at the Jide Sanwo-Olu Arena.
He also disclosed that the council recently completed and commissioned the Renewed Hope Arena, a modern five-a-side football pitch located in Ayantuga to further encourage grassroots sporting activities.
Beyond the Chairman’s Cup, Jakande highlighted other sports initiatives undertaken by his administration, including the sponsorship of the Ikeja Divisional Football Association Women’s League, which has reached its final between Wazbak Queens of Ebute-Meta and Future Star Queens of Igando. He also recalled the successful staging of the maiden SJ Independence Day Championship, where Unification Ladies of Agege defeated Ghetto Tigers Ladies of Odi-Olowo in the final.
Investigator news reports that the sixth edition of the Chairman’s Cup will feature 50 teams competing in 120 matches scheduled to run from July 27 to September 9, 2026, making it the biggest edition since the competition was established.
Dr. Jakande also commended journalists and media organisations for their unwavering support in promoting the tournament over the years, describing the media as a critical partner in showcasing the achievements of young athletes and expanding the competition’s reach.
He urged media practitioners to continue providing prompt, accurate and professional coverage throughout the tournament to ensure that the inspiring stories of emerging football talents receive the recognition they deserve.
Investigator news gathered that with fixtures now unveiled and excitement building among participating teams and supporters, the 2026 Chairman’s Cup promises weeks of thrilling football action while reinforcing its status as one of the foremost grassroots competitions dedicated to producing Nigeria’s next generation of football stars.
