*Organisers promise thrilling clashes as young talents battle for semi-final spots
Excitement is building ahead of the quarter-final stage of the 7th edition of the U-13 JOF Kids Cup Tournament, with eight teams set to battle for semi-final tickets on Wednesday, 1 April 2026 in Lagos.
Following a competitive Round of 16 held at the Ojo Oniyun Centre and Lekki Playground, the Lagos State Grassroots Football Association confirmed the teams that advanced to the last eight.
The qualified sides include Soccer City Football Academy (Iwaya), Latoyen Football Academy (Aguda), VI Foot (Ijora), First Class (Lagos Island), Strong Dove FC, Ultimate Football Academy (Coker), Smart Striker (Ogun State), and Fortune Football Academy (Oshodi).
Quarter-final fixtures will see Soccer City FA take on Latoyen FA, while VI Foot face First Class. Strong Dove FC will clash with Ultimate FA, as Smart Striker go head-to-head with Fortune FA.
Matches are expected to kick off from 9:00 a.m., with the second round of games slated for 11:00 a.m.
Speaking ahead of the fixtures, an official of the Lagos State Grassroots Football Association said the tournament continues to grow in standard and impact.
“We are proud of the level of talent displayed so far. The quarterfinals will be even more competitive, and we expect to see the best from these young players,” the official said.
Football enthusiasts and grassroots stakeholders are already tipping the fixtures as potential “clashes of the titans,” given the quality of teams still in contention.
The U-13 JOF Kids Cup Tournament is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of JOF Nigeria Limited, aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talents while promoting youth development through sports.
QUARTER FINAL FIXTURES
OJO ONIYUN CENTRE
LATOYEN FA AGUDA VS SOCCER CITY FA IWAYA
VI FOOT IJORA VS FIRST CLASS L/ISLAND
LEKKI CENTRE
STRONG DOVE COKER VS ULTIMATE FA COKER
SMART STRIKER OGUN STATE VS FORTUNE FA OSHODI