Organizers have announced February 2025 as the commencement date for the maiden edition of the Joseniho Kids League in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
Ten teams, composed of children from various age groups, will compete for honors and showcase their talents in the catch-them-young tournament.
The league, an initiative of football enthusiast and founder of Eagles Wing Academy, Victor Isereke, will feature more than 500 children competing across different age-grade categories.
Eligible categories include ages 1-8, U-10, U-12, and U-14, with each team expected to register 15 players for the league.
Participants will receive prizes such as school uniforms, football kits, balls, and scholarships, among others.
Meanwhile, the league’s winner will receive a cash prize of ₦1 million. The first runner-up will pocket ₦500,000, while the second runner-up will take home ₦350,000.
According to Mr. Isereke, the league aims to provide a platform for participants to consider pursuing careers in football.
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“The aim is to provide the kids with a platform to compete. There are a lot of football academies in Abuja, but many kids still don’t have the opportunity to put what they are learning into practical use. I felt this league would give them that opportunity,” Isereke said.
When asked if the league would be an annual event or a one-off, Mr. Isereke replied, “This is the first, but it won’t be the last. I am passionate about this, which is why we are giving it our best to ensure continuity. I have friends and associates who are willing to partner with us to lay the right foundation for this tournament.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dayo Faleyimu, stated that the league would be one of the best in the country.
“We are expecting 10 teams for now. We already have seven teams registered because we’re not just accepting any team—we want the best teams to participate, as our focus is quality,” Faleyimu said.
Speaking on the issue of age falsification, the LOC Chairman assured that the organizers would verify participants using original birth certificates, international passports, and NIN documents to ensure fair play.
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