16 teams jostle for cash prizes in Kwara peace tourney

Sixteen grassroots football teams drawn from six local government areas of Kwara State will compete for cash rewards and other prizes in the AIEDU Inter-Local Government Area Peace and Unity Football Tournament (AIPUFT 2026).

The competition is aimed at fostering peace and youth engagement through sports.

Sponsored by Aliyu Issa Aeidu, the tournament features teams from Edu, Patigi, Moro, Ifelodun, Baruteen and Kaiama local government areas.

Speaking on the initiative, the sponsor said the tournament was conceived as a peace-building and youth development platform designed to encourage peaceful coexistence among young people, promote community interaction, and harness football as a tool for social cohesion across communities.

He explained that participation was limited to 16 teams to ensure a well coordinated competition structure and to enhance the quality and competitiveness of matches throughout the tournament.

At stake is a cash prize of N500,000, a set of jerseys and five FIFA standard balls for the overall winners.

The first runner up will receive N400,000, a set of jersey, and four footballs, while the second runner up will go home with N300,000, a set of jersey and three footballs.

Individual awards including Golden Boot, Golden Glove and Man of the Match will also be presented to outstanding performers during the tournament.

According to the sponsor, beyond the prizes, the competition is expected to serve as a scouting platform for identifying talented players and exposing them to opportunities for further football development.

The final of the grassroots tournament will be held on February 14.