The buzz around the third Jagaban Cup continues to light up as the organizers, on Tuesday, March 11, unveiled and NPFL team amongst other participating teams for this year’s edition.
The teams, meticulously selected for their ambitions and business-focused ideology are expected to once again bring fireworks to the people of Lagos and Nigeria by extension in the four-day tournament.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 24 to March 27, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Among the participating teams are last year’s finalists, 36 Lion, along with FC Bethel and Broad City.
Notably, the unexpected standout from the Nigeria Premier League, Ikorodu City, is also included.
Additional teams set to compete are Imperial FC, Ijebu United, and SGFC Athletics.
Dino SC, recognized as a significant source of talent for European clubs, will also be travelling to Lagos for the tournament.
The Jagaban Cup is supported by partners including 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management Limited, IFMM, and Lagos Enigma Group.
The tournament will take place at Legacy Pitch in Lagos, welcoming European scouts for a duration of four days.
Previous tournament editions attracted scouts from over six countries, leading to several players receiving invitations for trials abroad and securing contracts.
Notable success stories from the Jagaban Cup include Uchenna Emmanuel (Sparta Praha), Joseph Oloko (Liepija), Samuel Isife (Vlasim), Chukuebuka Enyiazu (Pardubice), Peter Kareem (Bohemians 1905), and Solomon Agbalaka (Sochi).
To participate in the tournament, teams must ensure that their players have accumulated a minimum of 2,500 minutes of playtime in each leg.
Mr. Wale Joseph, a veteran journalist and Chairman of the Jagaban Cup Organizing Committee, addressed the media on Sunday night, stating, “The scouts were impressed with the quality observed in the previous two editions and believe there is a wealth of untapped talent in Nigeria.”
Clubs have expressed eagerness to participate in the competition because of the opportunities and exposure it provides. We have already formulated plans to surpass the achievements of previous editions.
“The primary goal of the Jagaban Cup is to create pathways for players to advance in their careers and achieve success. We successfully engaged the youth in previous editions, and they are eager to participate in this year’s event, reflecting their trust in our organization.
“Football serves as a unifying force for Nigerian youth. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans are eager to experience the excitement of the Jagaban Cup, and we are thrilled to rekindle that enthusiasm,” he added.
Mr Wale Joseph also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Football Association, led by Hajj Olawale Gafar Liameed, for enabling grassroots teams to take part in the scouting tournament and providing young players with a platform for discovery and exposure.
In addition to the exceptional talents identified by international scouts, prizes and awards will be presented to outstanding players. All matches will be broadcast live by Sports247.