Excellent FA Set for 8th Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Preseason Tournament in Enugu and Owerri

UGHELLI, Delta State – Excellent Football Academy has confirmed its participation in the 8th Edition of the Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Preseason Tournament, billed for the last week of July 2026 across Enugu and Owerri. 

The high-profile preseason competition will feature 10 teams drawn from across Nigeria’s football pyramid. According to the organisers, the lineup includes four Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, clubs, two Nigeria National League, NNL, sides, two Nigeria National League One, NLO, teams, and two football academies. 

CEO of Excellent Football Academy, Mr. Onome James, disclosed in Ughelli that the Delta-based academy is eager to test itself against top-tier opposition. 

“We are happy and looking forward to a good showing as we give more exposure to our players and also assess our work,” Mr. Onome stated. 

Organisers said the tournament package will extend beyond matchdays. Every participating team will receive 10 branded T-shirts for officials and three Select match balls. Semi-finalists will also be provided with jerseys for the semi-final and final matches as compensation for their participation. 

For the final, the champions will be awarded gold medals and a giant trophy, while the runners-up will receive 25 silver medals. 

The structure of the competition is expected to serve dual purposes. NPFL clubs will use the fixtures as competitive build-up ahead of the new season, while NNL, NLO teams, and academies like Excellent FA will gain valuable exposure against higher-level opposition. 

Preseason tournaments such as Tico/Select have become key fixtures in Nigeria’s football calendar. They provide essential match fitness, allow coaches to assess squad depth, and create a platform for young players to stake a claim before competitive action begins. 

Full fixtures, venues, and kick-off dates are expected to be released by the organisers ahead of the last week of July.

Written by Mr Charles Mayuku 

RIVERS STATE FA/KEVES GLOBAL FOOTBALL COMPETITION: WHY AMATEUR CLUBS SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE AND REGISTER

PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE – The Rivers State Football Association, RSFA, in partnership with Keves Global Leasing Limited, has opened registration for the 2026 Keves Global Football Competition. With the registration window set to close on Wednesday, 16th July 2026, football stakeholders are urging amateur clubs across the state to register and compete at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt.

The competition is being positioned as one of the most accessible and rewarding grassroots tournaments in the state, with a total prize pool of ₦7,000,000 and structured support for participating clubs.

A Platform Built for Grassroots Exposure  

The tournament is structured in two categories to ensure broad participation. The Amateur Category will feature 32 teams exclusively for non-league players, while the All-Stars Category will feature 8 teams for players aged 40 years and above. A valid National Identification Number, NIN, will be required for the All-Stars category as proof of age.

For amateur clubs, the competition offers rare visibility at a state-level tournament, competitive match experience, and a direct pathway for players to be scouted for the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Nigeria National League, NNL, and the NationWide League.

Significant Prize Money and Welfare Support

Beyond exposure, the competition carries strong financial incentives: 

Amateur Category

1.  Winners: ₦2,000,000 

2.  1st Runner-Up: ₦1,400,000 

3.  2nd Runner-Up: ₦1,000,000 

All-Stars Category

1.  Winners: ₦1,000,000 

2.  1st Runner-Up: ₦600,000 

3.  2nd Runner-Up: ₦400,000 

Keves Global Leasing Limited, led by Chief Ikenna Okafor sponsorship is part of his wider commitment to sports development in Rivers State, which includes tennis, swimming, golf, and table tennis.

Registration Details

Registration Fee: ₦30,000 per team for both categories.  

Venue: All matches will be played at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt.  

Deadline: Registration closes Wednesday, 16th July 2026. RSFA has advised clubs to register early to avoid last-minute issues.

Technical Growth Through Capacity Building

In line with its development mandate, RSFA will also hold a capacity building seminar on the Amendment to the Laws of the Game for coaches, club officials, and match officials. The seminar is designed to align stakeholders with the latest FIFA/IFAB updates and raise technical and officiating standards ahead of the tournament.

Why Clubs Should Register Now

Stakeholders say the Keves Global Football Competition goes beyond prizes. It is a development platform that combines competition, welfare, and education. 

“For amateur clubs, this is an opportunity to test your squad, build your club’s profile, and give players a chance to move up the football ladder,” a stakeholder noted. 

Enquiries

For registration and further information, clubs should contact Mr. Omiete Edwin Tamuno on 08068238881. 

Written by Mr Charles Mayuku 

FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT IN RIVERS STATE: THE GIANT STEPS BY THE RIVERS STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE – The Rivers State Football Association, RSFA, is intensifying its drive to reposition football at the grassroots level, with a series of strategic competitions, capacity-building programs, and private sector partnerships that stakeholders describe as “giant steps” for the game in the state.

From structured tournaments to technical education for coaches and officials, the RSFA administration is pushing a development agenda aimed at talent identification, retention, and progression to higher levels of Nigerian football.

Structured Competitions for Grassroots and Veterans

At the center of the push is the 2026 Keves Global Football Competition, organized in partnership with Keves Global Leasing Limited. The tournament will be staged at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, with a total prize pool of ₦7,000,000. 

The competition is designed across two categories to ensure inclusivity. The Amateur Category will feature 32 teams exclusively for non-league players, while the All-Stars Category will feature 8 teams for players aged 40 years and above, with NIN used as an age requirement. 

Prize Money Breakdown

Amateur Category: Winners – ₦2,000,000; 1st Runner-Up – ₦1,400,000; 2nd Runner-Up – ₦1,000,000.  

All-Stars Category: Winners – ₦1,000,000; 1st Runner-Up – ₦600,000; 2nd Runner-Up – ₦400,000.  

Registration is open at ₦30,000 per team for both categories and will close on Wednesday, 16th July 2026. RSFA says the structure is intended to give amateur clubs competitive exposure and a clear pathway to collegiate opportunities.

Private Sector Partnerships Driving Sustainability

The competition is backed by Chief Ikenna Okafor, CEO of Keves Global Leasing Limited and a Papal Knight of Saint Sylvester. Chief Okafor has been a consistent supporter of sports development in Rivers State, with sponsorship portfolios that include the Kodian Tennis Foundation, the Rivers Zonal Tennis Championship since 2018, secondary school swimming competitions since 2016, as well as golf and table tennis tournaments. 

Under the partnership, Keves Global is providing prize money, match-day logistics, and medical support for participating teams, a move stakeholders say reduces the financial burden on clubs and improves welfare standards.

Investing in Technical Capacity

Beyond matches, RSFA is focusing on human capital development. The Association has announced a capacity building seminar on the Amendment to the Laws of the Game for coaches, club officials, and match officials ahead of the competition. 

The seminar is aimed at equipping stakeholders with updated FIFA/IFAB knowledge, improving officiating standards, and ensuring technical compliance across all competitions in the state.

Stakeholders Commend the Direction

Football stakeholders in the state have commended RSFA’s approach, noting that the combination of competitive platforms, welfare support, and technical education addresses critical gaps at the grassroots. 

“These are deliberate steps to build a sustainable football ecosystem in Rivers State. It is no longer just about playing matches, but about structure, welfare, education, and progression,” a stakeholder stated.

Looking Ahead

RSFA says all fixtures, results, and official announcements for the Keves Global Football Competition will be released via its verified channels. For registration and enquiries, clubs can contact Mr. Omiete Edwin Tamuno on 08068238881

With competitions, capacity building, and strategic partnerships now in motion, RSFA maintains that the focus remains on building a football system in Rivers State that discovers, develops, and retains talent.

Written by Mr Charles Mayuku 

RSFA TO HOLD CAPACITY BUILDING SEMINAR BEFORE KEVES GLOBAL FOOTBALL COMPETITION

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – The Rivers State Football Association, RSFA, will organize a capacity building seminar for all participating teams ahead of the 2026 Rivers State FA/Keves Global Football Competition.

Stand-in Chairman of RSFA, Chief Benjamin Akobo, announced the development on Thursday during a media briefing at the FA secretariat in Port Harcourt.

Chief Akobo said the seminar is mandatory for club officials and coaches of the 40 teams registered for the Amateur Clubs and All Stars categories. He explained that the session will hold before the official draw and is designed to update stakeholders on recent amendments to the Laws of the Game.

“RSFA is committed to ensuring that all clubs and officials are fully equipped with the latest rules,” Chief Akobo stated. “This will promote compliance, reduce avoidable disciplinary issues, and guarantee fair play throughout the tournament.”

He added that the association will communicate the date, time, and venue of the training to all registered clubs in due course. The 4th edition of the competition is scheduled to kick off in the month of July at Sharks Stadium with a record ₦7 million total prize.

Written by Mr Charles Mayuku 

FOOTBALL STAKEHOLDERS COMMEND CHIEF IKENNA OKAFOR FOR PHILANTHROPY AND SUSTAINED SPORTS SUPPORT

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – Football stakeholders in Rivers State have applauded Chief Ikenna Okafor for his commitment to philanthropy and grassroots sports development through the continuous sponsorship of the Rivers State FA/Keves Global Football Competition.

Who is Chief Ikenna Okafor

Chief Ikenna Okafor, also known as Ide Akwaeze, is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Keves Global Leasing Limited and Chairman of 9 Payment Service Bank. A native of Akwaeze, Anaocha LGA, Anambra State, he holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Calabar and advanced management training from Pan African University Lagos and Wharton University of Pennsylvania. Beyond business, he is widely acclaimed as a philanthropist with a “heart of gold”. His projects include building library complexes, renovating schools, constructing civic centres, Marian grottos, and medical facilities across Anambra, Rivers, Ogun and other states. In 2017, Pope Francis conferred on him the Papal Knight of Saint Sylvester for his service to God and humanity. He also instituted the ₦250 million Nzekwuabuo Foundation in 2014 to support indigent pupils, students, and widows.

Sustained support for sports development

Chief Okafor’s investment in sports has been consistent since 2016. He is President and major sponsor of the Kodian Tennis Foundation, which has produced national tennis players. He has bankrolled the Rivers State FA/Keves Global Football Competition for four editions and has sponsored the Zonal Tennis Championship in Rivers since 2018, secondary school swimming competitions since 2016, golf tournaments in Rivers, Enugu, Cross River and Bayelsa, and secondary school table tennis since 2018. 

RSFA Stand-in Chairman, Chief Benjamin Akobo, said the 2026 Keves Global Football Competition with ₦7 million prize money reflects Chief Okafor’s belief that sports is a veritable tool for youth empowerment and community unity.

Stakeholders hail model of giving back

Club Administrators described Chief Okafor’s model of corporate social responsibility as rare and impactful. They noted that his sponsorship has kept the dreams of young footballers alive while providing scouts a credible platform to discover talents from Rivers State. “Chief Okafor has proven that giving back is not just talk, but deliberate action,” a club administrator stated on Thursday in Port Harcourt. Stakeholders urged other corporate bodies to emulate his example as the 4th edition kicks off in July at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Written by Mr Charles Mayuku 

40 TEAMS TO FEATURE IN 2026 RIVERS STATE FA/KEVES GLOBAL FOOTBALL COMPETITION

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – The Rivers State Football Association, RSFA, has confirmed that 40 teams will participate in the 2026 Rivers State FA/Keves Global Football Competition as preparations for the 4th edition gather momentum.

Stand-in Chairman of RSFA, Chief Benjamin Akobo, disclosed this on Thursday during a media briefing held at the FA office in Port Harcourt.

Chief Akobo said the tournament will feature 32 teams in the Amateur Clubs category and 8 teams in the All Stars category. The Amateur Clubs category is open to non-league sides, while the All Stars category is reserved for players aged 40 years and above with NIN verification required.

He noted that the number of teams that will participate highlights the growing popularity of the competition and RSFA’s commitment to expanding opportunities for grassroots football development across the state.

Registration Details

Registration for both categories is now open at a fee of ₦30,000 per team. The deadline for submission of entries is Wednesday, 16th July 2026. Interested clubs can obtain registration forms and further information from the RSFA Secretariat.

Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, has been confirmed as the host venue for the tournament.

The 2026 edition, sponsored by Keves Global Leasing Limited, will run with a record total prize of ₦7 million. The prize was doubled from ₦3.5 million in 2022, reflecting the sponsor’s continued investment in youth and sports development in Rivers State.

For enquiries, clubs should contact the RSFA Secretary, Mr. Omiete Edwin Tamuno, on 08068238881.

Written by Mr Charles Mayuku 

RSFA RAISES KEVES GLOBAL FOOTBALL COMPETITION PRIZE MONEY TO ₦7 MILLION

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – The Rivers State Football Association, RSFA, has raised the prize money for its flagship grassroots tournament, doubling the total prize for the 2026 Rivers State FA/Keves Global Football Competition to a record ₦7 million.

The announcement was made at a media briefing held Thursday at the Rivers State Football Association office in Port Harcourt, ahead of the 4th edition of the competition.

The increased prize reflects the sustained commitment of title sponsors, Keves Global Leasing Limited. Chief Ikenna Okafor, Chief Executive Officer of Keves Global Leasing Limited who was represented at the briefing by Engr Donald Elijah, said the investment is aimed at deepening youth development and strengthening the sports ecosystem in Rivers State.

Prize Pool Grows 100% in 4 Years

RSFA confirmed that funding for the competition has grown steadily since inception. The total prize has risen from ₦3.5 million in 2022 to ₦7 million in 2026, marking a 100% increase over three editions.

According to Keves Global Leasing Limited, the enhanced financial structure aligns with its corporate social responsibility mandate. The company said the goal is to improve competitiveness, raise the commercial profile of club football, and ensure participating clubs are financially sustainable.

New Prize Breakdown

Under the revised structure, both categories of the tournament will share the ₦7 million prize:

Amateur Clubs Category

1. Winners: ₦2,000,000  

2. 1st Runner-up: ₦1,400,000  

3. 2nd Runner-up: ₦1,000,000  

All Stars Category - 40 Years & Above*  

1. Winners: ₦1,000,000  

2. 1st Runner-up: ₦600,000  

3. 2nd Runner-up: ₦400,000  

RSFA also announced that individual awards will be presented to outstanding players in different categories during the tournament.

Format and Registration

A total of 32 clubs will compete in the Amateur Clubs category, while 8 teams will feature in the All Stars category. Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, has been confirmed as the host venue.

RSFA said it has received assurance from Chief Ikenna Okafor that the Keves Global Football Competition will be staged annually, providing a consistent platform for talent discovery and development.

Registration for both categories is now open. The deadline for submission of entries is Wednesday, 16th July 2026.

For enquiries and registration details, clubs should contact the RSFA Secretary, Mr. Omiete Edwin Tamuno, on 08068238881.

Written by Charles Mayuku 

CAF Confirms Format Changes and Full Calendar for 2026/27 Champions League and Confederation Cup

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has issued key updates on the competition format and official dates for the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, CL, and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, CC.

The changes, communicated to all Member Associations and clubs, affect the preliminary stages and progression path between the two competitions.

Format Changes for Preliminary Rounds 

CAF has confirmed that the additional round of the second preliminary round in the Confederation Cup remains cancelled for the 2026/27 season.

As a result of this adjustment:

1. No Drop-down to CC: Teams eliminated in the second preliminary round of the Champions League will no longer transition into the Confederation Cup. Their continental campaign ends at that stage.

2. Direct Path to Group Stage: Teams that advance from the second preliminary round of the Confederation Cup will proceed directly to the group stage, streamlining the route to the main phase of the competition.

The decision is aimed at reducing fixture congestion and creating a clearer competition structure for both tournaments.

Full 2026/27 Interclubs Calendar Released

CAF has also published the complete match dates for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup. All fixtures will be played across the standard CAF weekends.

2026/27 CAF Interclubs Calendar

Preliminary Rounds

- 1st Preliminary Round: 1st leg 4-6 September 2026 | 2nd leg 11-13 September 2026  

- 2nd Preliminary Round: 1st leg 16-18 October 2026 | 2nd leg 23-25 October 2026  

Group Stage

- Matchday 1: 27-29 November 2026  

- Matchday 2: 4-6 December 2026  

- Matchday 3: 18-20 December 2026  

- Matchday 4: 8-10 January 2027  

- Matchday 5: 15-17 January 2027  

- Matchday 6: 22-24 January 2027  

Knockout Stage 

- Quarter Finals: 1st leg 26-28 February 2027 | 2nd leg 5-7 March 2027  

- Semi Finals: 1st leg 9-11 April 2027 | 2nd leg 16-18 April 2027  

Finals

Both the Champions League and Confederation Cup finals will take place within the period 9–31 May 2027. Exact dates and host venues will be communicated by CAF in due course.

With Nigeria among the 12 Member Associations confirmed for two slots per competition, NPFL clubs will now plan their pre-season and squad build-up around these fixed dates. The removal of the CL-to-CC drop-down means second preliminary round ties in the Champions League carry higher stakes for Nigerian representatives.

(C) Charles Mayuku 

CAF Reveals Top 12 Member Associations for 2026/27 Interclub Competitions; Nigeria Confirms Two Slots Per Competition

Cairo, Egypt – April 19, 2026

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has released the list of 12 highest-ranked Member Associations eligible to enter two teams each in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026/27 season.

The rankings are based on CAF’s Interclub Ranking system, which evaluates the performance of clubs from each Member Association across the last five editions of CAF interclub competitions. Associations ranked in the top 12 earn the right to present two representatives in both the Champions League and Confederation Cup, giving them four continental slots in total.

Nigeria Retains Elite Status

Nigeria has maintained its place among Africa’s football elite, ranking 8th on the latest CAF Interclub Ranking. The country has now confirmed two slots in each of CAF’s premier club competitions for next season, a development that underscores the steady growth of domestic football.

The country’s continued presence in the top 12 is largely credited to consistent continental performances by Nigerian clubs over the last five seasons. In particular, Rivers United FC’s deep runs and point-gathering campaigns in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup have been pivotal in confirming and consolidating Nigeria’s ranking.

Impact of Rivers United FC

Rivers United’s performances on the continental stage provided Nigeria with crucial ranking points that helped the country hold off challenges from lower-ranked associations. By advancing beyond the group stage and competing against Africa’s best, the “Pride of Rivers” ensured Nigeria confirmed its two-slot allocation for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Their contribution highlights the direct link between club success and national opportunity. With two Champions League slots and two Confederation Cup slots available, Nigerian clubs now have greater access to CAF prize money, exposure, and the chance to compete for continental honours. This, in turn, raises the profile of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, and attracts more investment and talent into the domestic game.

Full List of 12 Top-Ranked Member Associations – 2026/27 Season

Based on CAF Interclub Ranking results from the last five seasons, the following 12 associations are permitted two teams per competition:

1. Algeria  

2. Angola  

3. Cote d’Ivoire  

4. DR Congo  

5. Egypt  

6. Mali  

7. Morocco  

8. Nigeria

9. South Africa  

10. Sudan  

11. Tanzania  

12. Tunisia  

With the 2026/27 CAF season set to kick off in September, Nigerian clubs will be aiming to build on Rivers United’s foundation and push for deeper runs that can elevate the country’s ranking even higher in future cycles.

For Nigerian football, confirming this elite status is more than a ranking. It is a pathway for more clubs to experience continental football, for players to showcase their talent, and for the NPFL to grow its reputation across Africa.

Written by Charles Mayuku 

VENUE ANNOUNCED FOR RIVERS STATE KEVES GLOBAL FOOTBALL COMPETITION

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Rivers State Football Association, RSFA, has announced that Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt will host the 4th edition of the Rivers State Keves Global Football Competition.

The announcement was made in a statement released by RSFA on Thursday in Port Harcourt. The venue selection sets the stage for what promises to be another competitive edition of the tournament.

Registration for participating clubs is now open at ₦30,000 per club. The closing date for registration is Sunday, 28th June 2026. With entries rolling in, Sharks Stadium is set to come alive when the tournament kicks off.

Competition Format

Like previous editions, the tournament will feature two categories played side by side: Amateur clubs and All Stars clubs.

The Amateur clubs category is strictly restricted to non-league playing players and clubs. The All Stars category is open only to players aged 40 years and above, with National Identification Number, NIN, required for verification.

Prize Money

RSFA has also confirmed the prize structure for both categories:

Amateur Clubs Category:

Winner – One Million Naira (₦1,000,000)  

1st Runner-up – Seven Hundred Thousand Naira (₦700,000)  

2nd Runner-up – Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000)  

All Stars Category:

Winner – Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000)  

1st Runner-up – Three Hundred Thousand Naira (₦300,000)  

2nd Runner-up – Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦200,000)  

Interested clubs can register or request further information by contacting the Secretary, Rivers State FA, Omiete Edwin Tamuno on 08068238881.

© Sports Concave Media – 2026

PRIZE MONEY ANNOUNCED FOR 4TH RIVERS STATE KEVES GLOBAL FOOTBALL COMPETITION

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Rivers State Football Association, RSFA, has announced the prize money for the much-anticipated 4th edition of the Keves Global Football Championship, sponsored by Keves Global Leasing Limited.

The competition will once again feature two categories played side by side: Amateur clubs and All Stars clubs.

According to the organizers, the Amateur clubs category is strictly restricted to non-league playing players and clubs. The All Stars category is open only to players aged 40 years and above, with National Identification Number, NIN, required for verification.

RSFA, in partnership with Keves Global Leasing Limited, has committed significant prize money for both categories to reward excellence and raise the standard of grassroots football in the state.

Amateur Clubs Category:

Winner – One Million Naira (₦1,000,000)  

1st Runner-up – Seven Hundred Thousand Naira (₦700,000)  

2nd Runner-up – Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000)  

All Stars Category:

Winner – Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000)  

1st Runner-up – Three Hundred Thousand Naira (₦300,000)  

2nd Runner-up – Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦200,000)  

Interested clubs can register or request further information by contacting the Secretary, Rivers State FA, Omiete Edwin Tamuno on 08068238881.

(C) Sports Concave Media - 2026

RIVERS STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION ROLLS OUT REGISTRATION PROCEDURES FOR 4TH RIVERS STATE KEVES GLOBAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE – The Rivers State Football Association (RSFA) has officially unveiled the registration modalities for the highly anticipated 4th edition of the Rivers State Keves Global Football Tournament, inviting football clubs, grassroots stakeholders, and football enthusiasts across the state to participate in the prestigious competition.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Association announced that registration for the tournament is now open and will run for a limited period, with the deadline for all entries fixed for Sunday, June 28, 2026.

The tournament, which has become one of the most celebrated grassroots football competitions in Rivers State, will continue with its successful dual-category format designed to promote football development across different age groups and levels of participation.

The Amateur Category is strictly reserved for non-league clubs and players. The division provides a unique platform for emerging grassroots talents to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment while ensuring that professional league players do not participate, thereby preserving fairness and the developmental objectives of the competition.

The All Stars Category, on the other hand, is specifically designed for football veterans aged 40 years and above. To uphold the credibility and integrity of the competition, organizers have made it mandatory for all participants in this category to undergo National Identification Number (NIN) verification during the registration process.

Speaking on the significance of the tournament, the Rivers State Football Association noted that the Keves Global Football Tournament has continued to serve as a vital platform for talent discovery, youth development, and community engagement. Over the years, the competition has successfully combined the promotion of grassroots football with initiatives that encourage active participation among former players and football enthusiasts.

The Association urged interested teams and stakeholders to complete their registration early to secure their places in the tournament, as preparations are already underway for another exciting edition of the competition.

Registration and Enquiries

For registration guidelines, participation requirements, and further enquiries, interested teams and stakeholders are advised to contact:

Omiete Edwin Tamuno

Secretary, Rivers State Football Association

Phone/WhatsApp: +234 806 823 8881

The Rivers State Football Association reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots football development and called on clubs, communities, and football lovers across the state to take advantage of the opportunity to be part of the 4th Rivers State Keves Global Football Tournament.

Gold Found in Oluwakemi: Teenager Adegbuyi Shines as FC Robo Queens Beat Nasarawa Amazons 2-0

Port Harcourt — Sometimes you don’t have to search long to find value. At the NWFL Super 6 Matchday 3, FC Robo Queens unearthed another gem as teenager Oluwakemi Adegbuyi delivered a composed, match-sealing performance in a 2-0 win over Nasarawa Amazons at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

FC Robo broke the deadlock in the 59th minute through Opeyemi Ajakaye. The strike settled nerves, but the moment that captured attention came five minutes later. Adegbuyi, already turning heads with her movement and awareness, capped her top performance with a clinical finish in the 64th minute. Calm under pressure, precise in execution — the traits of a player far older than her years.

A Rare Talent Stewarding Her Gift

Adegbuyi is quickly moving beyond the “prospect” tag. Her decision-making, positioning, and composure in front of goal suggest a rare talent maturing ahead of schedule. At just 15, she is showing the kind of faithfulness with her ability that FC Robo’s development philosophy demands.

The teenager is not waiting for the future. She is impacting the present. Against a seasoned Nasarawa Amazons side, she played without fear and finished without hesitation. Gold, once found, must be refined — and Adegbuyi looks every bit a player ready for the process.

Match Summary

NWFL Super 6 | Matchday 3  

FT: FC Robo Queens 2-0 Nasarawa Amazons  

Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium  

⚽ Opeyemi Ajakaye 59’  

⚽ Oluwakemi Adegbuyi 64’

With the win, FC Robo Queens look like a side firing on all cylinders. And in Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, they may have found more than just a goalscorer — they may have found gold for the future of Nigerian women’s football.

(C) Charles Mayuku 

MATCH PREVIEW: RIVERS UNITED VS RANGERS INT'L President Federation Cup Round of 32

Rivers United FC continue their quest for President Federation Cup glory when they face Rangers International FC in a highly anticipated Round of 32 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Monday evening.

Both sides enter the fixture in impressive form and with ambitions of progressing deeper into Nigeria's oldest domestic cup competition, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested affair.

Road to the Round of 32

Rivers United secured their place in this stage after a convincing 2-0 victory over G12 FC in the previous round. Rangers International, meanwhile, advanced courtesy of a hard-fought win over Godswill Akpabio FC in Aba.

Recent Meetings

The Port Harcourt-based side will take confidence from their recent record against the Flying Antelopes. Rivers United are unbeaten against Rangers this season, having met twice in all competitions, recording one victory and one draw.

Looking at the last five meetings between both clubs, Rivers United have enjoyed a slight advantage:

Rangers International 0-0 Rivers United

Rivers United 1-0 Rangers International

Rivers United 1-0 Rangers International

Rangers International 1-0 Rivers United

Rivers United 2-0 Rangers International

Form Guide

Rangers Int'l (Last Five Matches)

D – W – W – W – W

Rangers arrive in Uyo on the back of a strong run of form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches and demonstrating the consistency that has characterised their campaign.

Rivers United (Last Five Matches)

L – W – W – W – W

Rivers United have also enjoyed an impressive spell, winning four of their last five matches and showing resilience in key moments throughout the season.

Team News

Rangers International will be without Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa, both of whom remain unavailable after national team commitments last weekend.

Rivers United will also be missing left back Elias Ochiba, who is away on national team duty.

Players to Watch

Rivers United FC

Ubong Friday and Chijioke Mbaoma will be central to Rivers United's attacking ambitions. Both players possess the quality and experience to make the difference in decisive moments and could prove crucial to the club's chances of progression.

Rangers International FC

Godwin Obaje, Chidiebere Nwobodo, and Ikechukwu Mgbemena have been influential figures throughout Rangers' successful campaign. Their experience and quality make them key players to watch in this encounter.

Match Venue

Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo

Popularly known as "The Nest of Champions," the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is one of Nigeria's premier sporting venues. Located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the FIFA-standard stadium has a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators.

Commissioned in 2014, the stadium features a natural grass playing surface, modern floodlighting, VIP hospitality suites, media facilities, and world-class infrastructure. It has hosted numerous international matches involving the Super Eagles and remains one of the country's most iconic football arenas.

Match Details

Competition: President Federation Cup – Round of 32

Fixture: Rivers United vs Rangers Int'l 

Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo

Date: Monday, June 1, 2026

Kick-off: 4:00 PM

Charles Mayuku 

Media Officer, Rivers United FC 

1st June 2026