By joshua QS AMINU BACKS GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL WITH KITS, ₦3M PRIZE MONEY AT IGALA NATION’S CUP FINAL AS AMINU FLOW ACADEMY WINS 8–7
IDAH, Kogi State — The tenth edition of the Igala Nation’s Cup ended in a dramatic celebration of grassroots football on Saturday at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, where Aminu Flow Academy of Ajaka, Igalamela Local Government Area, defeated Dynamic Stars FC of Ogodo, Ankpa, 8–7 on penalties to emerge champions.
The championship brought together footballers, supporters, community leaders and political figures, with Quantity Surveyor Aminu Abubakar Suleiman serving as chairman of the occasion and principal sponsor of the 2026 edition.
Among the dignitaries at the final was Chief Pharmacist Peter Yakubu Iduh, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Idah Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
Before the final got underway, QS Aminu performed the ceremonial opening kick, marking the culmination of a tournament that has provided a platform for young footballers to compete, develop their abilities and showcase grassroots talent.
His support for the competition extended beyond the final day. He sponsored the official kits worn by all teams that participated in the tournament, while also providing ₦3 million in prize money for the top three teams.
The champions received ₦1.5 million, the runners-up ₦1 million, while the third-placed team received ₦500,000.
Addressing participants and spectators, QS Aminu said grassroots sports deserved sustained investment because of its potential to give young people opportunities to develop their talents and build productive futures.
“This is more than football. It is about our young people, their talents, their dreams and the opportunities we create for them. When we invest in sports, we are investing in discipline, unity and the future of our communities.”
For Coach Kamar Umar Olachene, the organiser of the tournament, the significance of the competition extends beyond the football pitch. He said the Igala Nation’s Cup was established to discover young talents, encourage participation in sport and use football as a vehicle for bringing communities together.
“The Igala Nation’s Cup is about discovering talents, creating opportunities and bringing our communities together through football. We are grateful to everyone who has continued to believe in this tournament, especially QS Aminu and the other sponsors for supporting this tenth edition.”
The tournament also received support from Iduh Integrated Services, DVAA Foundation, the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, and the Nigeria Football Federation.
With an 8–7 penalty-shootout victory, Aminu Flow Academy of Ajaka lifted the tenth edition of the Igala Nation’s Cup, bringing the tournament to a fitting conclusion after a competition centred on grassroots football, youth talent and community participation.