Kwara Football Academy (KFA) is gearing up to make a strong impression on the continental stage as it prepares to compete in the 2026 NextGen Africa Cup in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The prestigious youth tournament is scheduled to take place from March 23 to March 28, 2026.

 

The competition will bring together eight of Africa’s top football academies, providing a high-level platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills in a competitive and globally visible environment.

 

All matches are set to be played at the historic Stade Robert Champroux, with teams divided into two groups of four. KFA has been drawn into a challenging Group A, where they will face Terenga Sporting Club, Africa Foot of Mali, and FC Olympic Sports.

 

Group B features an equally formidable lineup, including Ghana’s highly regarded Right to Dream Academy, alongside Racing Club Abidjan, Sosso FA, and Umbro Rising Stars.

 

Beyond the pursuit of silverware, the NextGen Africa Cup serves as a vital development platform for young players across the continent. Backed by global sportswear brand Umbro, the tournament is designed to provide maximum exposure for Africa’s next generation of football stars.

 

A major highlight of the competition will be the presence of top European scouts and recruiters, who are expected to monitor performances closely in search of talents ready to transition into professional football. For KFA’s players, the tournament represents a rare and potentially life-changing opportunity to secure international contracts and advance their careers.

 

For the Ilorin-based academy, participation in the tournament further reinforces its growing reputation as a hub for youth football development in Nigeria. It also reflects the academy’s commitment to exposing its players to elite-level competition.

 

To ensure optimal preparation, a 25-man delegation comprising players, coaches, and officials is scheduled to arrive early in Abidjan ahead of the tournament’s kickoff. The early arrival is aimed at helping the team acclimatize as they carry the hopes of Nigerian youth football into the continental spotlight.