In the vibrant world of West African football, few announcements have generated as much buzz as the launch of the Game On Afrika Tournament—a dynamic under-19 competition designed to spotlight exceptional young talent from Nigeria and Ghana. This innovative event, supported by Afreximbank, is setting out to do more than just crown a champion; it aims to reshape the future of youth football across the region while bridging local passion with international opportunity.
Interest in the tournament soared following its official unveiling at a lively press conference on September 23, 2025, at Muna Suites in Owerri. The event drew members of the local and national media, football officials, youth coaches, and aspiring stars, all eager to hear detailed plans for a competition that promises to deliver both excitement and genuine pathways to global football exposure.
Project Director Jennifer Anusiem, a well-known figure in Nigerian football and CEO of Imo Angels FC, outlined the tournament’s structure and ambitions. She described a dual-nation format that treats fans in Nigeria and Ghana to simultaneous excitement while nurturing cross-border rivalries and camaraderie. According to Anusiem, the competition’s journey begins in Nigeria on October 4, with registration for clubs closing on September 30. Ghanaian teams have until October 2 to register before kickoff on October 7.
The competition spans eight major locations—four in Nigeria (Imo, Enugu, Lagos, and Abuja) and four across Ghana (Greater Accra, Oti, Central, and Ashanti). Each zone is expected to attract crowds as young players from registered clubs battle for local prestige, regional prizes, and a coveted chance to represent their state or region in the next stage.
“Registered clubs will compete at their centres, with each state or region producing a champion,” explained Anusiem. “These stage winners in Nigeria will each receive a ₦1 million prize and advance to the national final in Enugu. There, one team will emerge as Nigeria’s representative to battle the Ghanaian champion over two legs to decide the overall GOAT (Game On Afrika Tournament) winner.”
Ghana’s tournament structure mirrors that of Nigeria, with regional winners set to receive ₦5,000 each. However, the true prize comes at the continental level, where the ultimate champion from the Nigeria-Ghana showdown will secure an all-expenses-paid youth football tour of London, reportedly including matches with top English youth teams and efforts being made to arrange a fixture with West Ham United’s U-19 side.
“This project is about creating genuine opportunities,” Anusiem emphasized. She stressed that experienced scouts would be present throughout the tournament in both countries to identify standout talents who could potentially launch international careers. “We want to connect the two football-mad nations of Nigeria and Ghana through this competition and ensure the next generation of stars isn’t overlooked.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the tournament, Nnaemeka Nwankwo, brought a deeply personal touch to the proceedings. Recalling his own career, he shared, “I once lost the chance to sign for Leeds United because of my age. At 32, I was no longer eligible when they needed a younger goalkeeper.” That disappointment, he explained, motivated him to create this initiative to help younger players seize the chances he missed.
“This is about catching talented players early and opening doors I never had,” Nwankwo said. He added that, through a strategic partnership with Frenford FC in the UK—which works alongside West Ham United—the tournament would gain direct access to scouts from several top-tier English clubs. According to Nwankwo, logistics such as passports, visas, and travel expenses for the winning team will be fully covered by the organisers, removing the barriers that often block African youth from international opportunities.
He also expressed hope that the tournament would foster unity beyond the pitch: “We want to connect tribes through football and give back to society. Football played a vital role in my own life, and I want the next generation of Nigerians and Ghanaians to have unforgettable experiences and see the world.”
At the official launch, Imo Centre Coordinator Neville Okere remarked on the growing trend toward youth development in Nigerian football. He pointed out that the Nigerian league has increasingly prioritized young, homegrown talents and said, “A platform like GOAT not only exposes the best youths to international football cultures, but also gives even those who don’t make the national playoffs a chance to be seen. Every deserving player will be recommended to clubs, ensuring no one is left behind.”
Similarly, Enugu Centre Coordinator Felix Nwosu addressed ongoing concerns about age fraud—a longstanding challenge in African age-grade competitions. “We’ve implemented deliberate mechanisms to ensure only eligible U-19 players compete,” Nwosu reassured, noting that participant verification processes have been strengthened to protect fairness and integrity.
For grassroots clubs across both countries, the accessibility of the competition is a major draw. Organisers confirmed that registration can be completed online through the official website, www.gameonafrika.com, with Nigerian clubs paying a registration fee of ₦50,000 and Ghanaian teams registering for ₦1,000. This differential in fees reflects varying economic realities, but ultimately aims to encourage wide participation and make the tournament as inclusive as possible.
Across Nigeria and Ghana, football is more than just a game—it is a unifying force and, for many, a passport to a better life. The Game On Afrika Tournament arrives at a time when the hunger for fresh, homegrown heroes is stronger than ever, with both countries boasting vibrant football histories and a track record of producing talents who go on to shine on the global stage. According to Lagos-based sports analyst Henry Oburu, “This competition couldn’t come at a better time. With the right support, it could regularly produce stars who follow in the footsteps of legends like Jay-Jay Okocha or Asamoah Gyan.”
However, there are challenges to address. Some grassroots coaches raise questions about the sustainability of such tournaments, calling for continuous investment in training facilities, coaching education, and player welfare beyond just headline events. “One-off tournaments are excellent, but we need to link them to long-term development plans,” advised Peace Agbaje, a youth coach in Abuja.
From a regional perspective, the Game On Afrika Tournament stands as a potential model for similar events across Africa, especially if it successfully combines talent development with global exposure and commercial sustainability. With growing global interest in African football—evidenced by the number of young players being scouted to European academies—initiatives like this help ensure African talent is identified, nurtured, and celebrated at home before heading abroad.
Looking ahead, the organisers say their long-term vision includes rolling out similar competitions in more African nations, further strengthening the continent’s youth football ecosystem and giving even greater numbers of young players the keys to their potential.
As preparations ramp up for the opening matches, all eyes are on Nigeria and Ghana—two proud football nations vying not just for victory, but for the chance to shine a spotlight on the next African superstar destined for the world stage.
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