Organisers of the 2025 Jagaban Cup have confirmed that European scouts will be present at the tournament to spot outstanding young talent. The much-anticipated grassroots football event is set to take place from March 24 to March 27, 2025.
The Tournament Director, Mr. Wale Joseph, shared details of the event’s format with the press. The competition will kick off with four matches on March 24 at the Legacy Pitch. Similar schedules will follow on the second and third days, each featuring four matches. In a unique twist, the tournament will be played without the offside rule to encourage more attacking play and creativity.
Matches will be held between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. each day. Instead of semi-finals, the winners of each group will go straight into the final match.
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Mr. Joseph, who is also a respected journalist and administrator, emphasised that the Jagaban Cup is about offering genuine opportunities for young players to secure international contracts. “This event is designed to provide a platform for hidden talents to transition into European football,” he said.
The tournament will feature top grassroots teams including Ikorodu City, Dino SC, Ijebu United, 36 Lion, SGFC, Imperial FC, Broad City, and FC Bethel. Organised through a partnership between 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports, and Lagos Enigma, the Jagaban Cup promises to be a showcase of the next generation of football stars.
Editorial
We applaud the organisers of the Jagaban Cup for creating a platform where young Nigerian talents can truly shine. With European scouts set to be in attendance, the stakes have never been higher for these players, and this could be the launchpad for future international stars.
The inclusion of a ‘no offside’ rule may raise eyebrows among purists, but we see it as an exciting twist that will challenge players to think creatively and show off their attacking flair. This change could encourage more goal-scoring moments and brilliant improvisation, traits that European clubs often look for.
What makes this event even more promising is the direct route it provides for players to transition from grassroots football into professional opportunities abroad. Far too often, Nigeria’s talented young footballers lack exposure. The Jagaban Cup directly addresses this, offering them a spotlight and a stage to catch the eyes of scouts from top European clubs.
We also commend the participating teams for their consistent work in nurturing young talent. This event is not just about competition; it is about shaping futures, building confidence, and transforming lives through football. We hope this tournament becomes an annual tradition and continues to grow in stature.
As the matches approach, we encourage the players to give their all, knowing that their performances could open doors they’ve only dreamt of. Football dreams are forged on fields like these — and we can’t wait to see which stars emerge.
Did You Know?
- The Jagaban Cup is named after the traditional chieftaincy title “Jagaban,” which means ‘leader of warriors.’
- 36 Lion, one of the participating clubs, has produced several players who now feature in European leagues.
- The Legacy Pitch in Lagos has hosted numerous youth football tournaments and is known as a breeding ground for talent.
- European scouts attending the Jagaban Cup are expected from clubs in Belgium, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
- The tournament is designed to not only identify talent but also offer workshops on player professionalism and career management.
