Who will be next Victor Osimhen? 600 youngsters set to compete in grassroots competition

In Ekiti State, 600 young footballers are preparing for the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup, a prominent grassroots competition aimed at discovering Nigeria's future stars like Victor Osimhen, Mikel Obi, etc.

The tournament will be contested among 16 local governments in the state.

Past editions of the competition have unearthed standout talents, notably Muiz Oladimeji and Abass Olasunkanmi, who now ply their trade with Beyond Limits FA, one of Nigeria’s top football academies.

Both players were part of the team that won the prestigious Gothia Cup in Sweden and continue to enjoy rising careers.

The tournament is sponsored by the family of Professor Akin Oyebode, with full involvement from his son, Akin Oyebode, who currently serves as Ekiti State’s Commissioner of Finance.

The family’s commitment to youth development through football continues to make a big impact on the lives of hundreds of young Nigerians.

“This competition isn’t just about football. It’s about creating opportunities for players, coaches, referees, and administrators to grow, gain experience, and dream bigger,” said Akin Oyebode.

The Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup also serves as a platform for the development of young coaches, referees, and sports administrators, many of whom are getting their first taste of organised football management at the grassroots level.

In a bid to take things to the next level this year, the competition live match scores and in-depth player analytics will be available through Sofascore.

The tournament will kick off on September 12th, as all eyes will be on the young players hoping to make a name for themselves and attract attention from scouts and academies. Mirroring the career path of players like Osimhen, who rose from the streets of Lagos to the heights of European football.

Victor Osimhen is a renowned Super Eagles star as one of the world's best centre-forwards. He currently plays as a striker for Süper Lig club Galatasaray after joining on a permanent move during the transfer window.