1,200 PLAYERS TO FEATURE IN 4TH RIVERS STATE FA/KEVES GLOBAL FOOTBALL COMPETITION

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – The Rivers State Football Association has confirmed 1,200 players will participate in the 4th Edition of the Rivers State FA/KEVES Global Football Competition, setting the stage for one of the state’s largest grassroots football tournaments this year.  

Forty clubs will take part, with each side registering 30 players. The field is divided into 960 players in the Amateur Category and 240 players in the All-Stars 40+ Category, bringing together emerging talents and former professionals on one platform.  

The scale of participation is expected to translate directly into development opportunities.  

For the 960 Amateur players, the tournament creates a structured pathway to competitive football at Sharks Stadium. The centralized venue, consistent fixtures, and professional standards will increase visibility for young players before scouts, academies, and state team selectors. The exposure is designed to move grassroots talents closer to higher-level opportunities.  

The 240 All-Stars 40+ players will provide a different but equally important impact. The category keeps former professionals and ex-internationals active, while also creating a mentoring bridge between experienced players and the next generation. Their presence is expected to raise the technical and competitive level across the tournament.  

To support those standards, the Rivers FA will hold a Capacity Building Seminar on Tuesday, 14th July, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the FA Office, NUJ Building, Moscow Road. Coaches, managers, and team officials will be taken through the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game ahead of kick-off.  

All matches will be staged at Sharks Stadium to maintain a professional and centralized environment.  

A total of ₦7,000,000 has been committed as prize money across both categories, with additional individual awards for Most Valuable Player, Highest Goal Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper.  

Since its inception, the KEVES Global Football Competition has become a key grassroots platform in Rivers State. With 1,200 players involved in this edition, the tournament showcases its growing role in expanding access to competitive football and strengthening the state’s football ecosystem.  

Written by Mr Charles Mayuku