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
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