The 2026 William Troost-Ekong Foundation Secondary Schools Football Tournament started on Thursday, August 27, with the boys’ semi-finals taking place at the Uyo Township Stadium.
The tournament is being organised by the William Troost-Ekong Foundation in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association (AKSFA) to provide young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their talents while continuing their education.
Eight secondary schools are taking part across the boys’ and girls’ categories, with six matches scheduled throughout the competition.
The boys’ semi-finals took place Thursday, with Etinan Institute, Etinan facing Community Secondary School, Ikot Oku Ubo at 2pm.
In the second semi-final, St. Brian College, Uyo, met Apostolic Secondary School, Ikot Oku Nsit at 4pm.
The winners of both matches will meet in the boys’ final on September 1 at 3pm.
The girls’ competition will begin Friday, August 28, with Community Secondary School, Aka Offot facing Secondary School, Adadia at 2pm, while Methodist Secondary School, Ibiaku Ishiet will take on Community Secondary School, Ikot Oku Ikono at 4pm.
The girls’ final will be played on September 1 at 1pm.
The tournament follows the draws held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where organisers outlined their plans for the competition.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh, described the partnership with the Troost-Ekong Foundation as a thoughtful initiative that will further support the revival of school sports in the state.
Umoh also praised the Pastor Umo Eno-led Akwa Ibom State Government and the Ministry of Sports, led by Elder Paul Bassey, for their support for football and sports development programmes in the state.
Vice President of the Nigeria School Sports Federation and Director of Sports at the State Secondary Education Board, Pastor Emmanuel Ebong, said the tournament would help discover, track and develop young football talents.
Representing the Troost-Ekong Foundation, its Coordinator, Mr. Bernard Ekong, said the tournament was inspired by former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong’s desire to create a pathway for young players.
According to Ekong, the foundation wants to identify talented players early, support their education and help them improve their football skills.
The Head of the AKSFA Technical Committee, Mr. Obot Boniface, conducted the tournament draws.
Organisers have also announced that all participating schools will receive sports equipment and financial support to assist with logistics during the competition.
The foundation further confirmed that the tournament is not intended to be a one-off event, as it forms part of its long-term plans to support young people and develop football talent.
With the first matches kicking off, attention will now turn to the young players as they compete for a place in the final and an opportunity to showcase their potential.
