By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The 2026 Kids Soccer League (KSL) concluded in grand style in Abuja, with young footballers, parents and stakeholders celebrating another successful season of grassroots football development.
At the end of the competition, Refined Nuggets FC emerged champions in both the Under-9 and Under-11 categories, while FAFC claimed the Under-14 title during the colourful grand finale and award presentation.
Speaking at the event, Kids Soccer League founder and former Nigerian international Femi Ajilore said the competition was established to discover and nurture football talents from an early age, stressing that Africa’s future success on the global stage depends on sustained investment in grassroots football.
“Grassroots football is where the journey begins. If we want Africa to compete and succeed on the global stage, then we must keep investing in our children and giving them the right foundation,” Ajilore said.
He noted that the league has continued to improve the quality of young players by teaching concentration, discipline and the fundamentals of the game while providing a safe and structured environment for children to develop.
Ajilore also acknowledged the difficulties involved in organising youth competitions, but said the organisers remain committed to providing a safe and structured platform where children can learn, compete and grow. He further commended the FCT Football Association, sponsors, parents and media partners for their consistent support.
The former Super Eagles midfielder revealed that the league has already produced several outstanding talents, including a former KSL top scorer who secured a move to Vancouver Whitecaps, while another graduate, Ndupu Chiboy, is pursuing his football career in Italy, underscoring the league’s growing reputation as a pathway to professional football.
He also acknowledged Barrister Lawal Audi as one of the key brains behind the Kids Soccer League, praising his commitment and contributions to the growth and sustainability of the competition over the past five years.
FCT Football Association Chairman Adam Mouktar described the Kids Soccer League as one of the pillars of football development in the Federal Capital Territory.
“This league has become a model for what grassroots football should look like. We need more structured academies, better facilities and stronger support systems to help these young players move from the grassroots to club and national team football,” Mouktar said.
Also speaking, Vice President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee and former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji applauded the organisers for investing in the next generation of athletes.
“Every champion you see today was once a child with a dream. What KSL is doing is not just about football; it is about building character, discipline and hope for the future,” Oyedeji said.
He praised the support shown by parents and urged continued investment in youth sports, expressing confidence that competitions such as the Kids Soccer League will continue to produce future stars capable of representing Nigeria on the international stage.
The 2026 edition once again reinforced the Kids Soccer League’s reputation as one of Abuja’s foremost grassroots football competitions. Beyond crowning champions, the tournament continues to identify, nurture and inspire the next generation of football talents, providing a platform for young players to pursue their dreams while contributing to the future of Nigerian and African football.
