The Champs Cup 2026 Celebrates Children’s Day With Thrilling Football Action In Lagos
3 min read
The 2026 edition of The Champs Cup, a flagship Children’s Day football festival organized by the Angel Salt Sports Development Foundation, was successfully held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos, bringing together hundreds of young footballers from across Nigeria in a vibrant celebration of youth, talent, and sportsmanship.
The annual tournament, which combines Children’s Day celebrations with football development, attracted over 1,200 attendees, including players, parents, siblings, coaches, supporters, and football enthusiasts who gathered to witness the next generation of Nigerian football stars showcase their abilities.
After an exciting day of competitive football across various age categories, the following teams emerged champions:
* Under-6: Austen Plus FA (Agidingbi)
* Under-8: Goal Driven FA (Abeokuta)
* Under-10: Lagos Soccer Star Academy (Victoria Island)
* Under-12: Strong Dove FA (Coker-Orile)
* Under-14: Edufoot Sports Academy (Sangotedo)
The tournament rewarded 42 outstanding individuals players from the 6 age groups in these categories:
Highest Goal Scorer, Most Valuable Player, Best Goal Keeper, Best Midfielder, Best Defender, Best Attacker and Best Coach.
Football enthusiasts present enjoyed remarkable teamwork, and impressive technical displays from young footballers, reinforcing the growing depth of grassroots football talent across Nigeria.
Speaking during the event, the Founder of Angel Salt Sports Development Foundation, Angel Salt, emphasized the importance of combining education with football development.
“The Champs Cup is a celebration of Children’s Day and we are preparing the next generation of global football stars. We emphasize the need to balance football and education in order to become great personalities and responsible leaders in society,” he said.
The event also enjoyed the support of several corporate partners and community-focused brands. Milo and Pocari Sweat kept players refreshed throughout the competition, while Tentrade Africa and Pecksgrey Group attended to encourage and inspire the young athletes.
In a further demonstration of care for participants, Hujoes Foods and Cut Masters provided spaghettini and beef meals for all players in attendance, ensuring the children were properly nourished after a day of football activities.
Parents, coaches, and spectators praised the organizers for creating a safe and exciting environment that promotes youth development, healthy competition, and community engagement through sports.
As the curtain falls on another successful edition, organizers have already set their sights on an even bigger milestone. Preparations are underway for the 10th edition of The Champs Cup scheduled for May 2027, with expectations of attracting more teams, partners, and opportunities for young football talents.
Reflecting on the success of the tournament, the organizers expressed gratitude to participating teams, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and families who contributed to making the event memorable.
“As we begin the countdown to the 10th edition in May 2027, we are filled with joy at the incredible young talents that the Nigerian football space is blessed with. The future of Nigerian football remains bright, and The Champs Cup will continue to serve as a platform for discovering and developing future stars,” stated Israel Ogunfowokan, The Champs Cup Project Coordinator.
The Champs Cup has grown into one of Nigeria’s notable grassroots football events, using sport as a tool for youth development, education advocacy, and community impact while celebrating the dreams and potential of young athletes.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
