Lagos and three other Nigeria cities will host a groundbreaking international football and cultural spectacle later this year.
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The Motherland Heritage Cup, was unveiled today in Lagos as a unique tournament designed to unite football, culture, heritage, tourism, and international collaboration.
The tournament, scheduled to take place from November 6 to 16, 2026, will feature seven invited national teams from across Africa, South America, and the Caribbean, alongside
Nigeria, in what organizers describe as a celebration of African and Diaspora identity through sport.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Lagos, attracted several prominent personalities from football, entertainment, politics, and public service, underlining the significance of the initiative.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau MON, described the tournament as a platform that strengthens the connection between football, governance, entertainment, and cultural heritage.
According to him, the Motherland Heritage Cup goes beyond football and represents a bold vision aimed at promoting unity, youth empowerment, tourism, trade, and investment while showcasing Nigeria’s ability to bring nations together through sport.
A major highlight of the event was the decoration of respected statesman Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, OON, MON, who was conferred with the prestigious Life Patron Honour of the tournament.
He joins Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the board of patrons for the competition.
The ceremony was also attended by football legends Daniel Amokachi, Samson Siasia, and Waidi Akanni, alongside Nollywood actor Jim Iyke.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende.
Organizers revealed that the tournament will adopt a multi-city hosting format to encourage nationwide participation and engagement.
Akwa Ibom State, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano State, and Lagos State will each host two participating countries during the preliminary stage of the competition.
At the end of the state-hosted fixtures, winners from each centre will advance to the grand finale in Abuja.
The Main Organising Committee includes notable figures from football, entertainment, business, and public service. Former Super Eagles striker Daniel Amokachi serves as the Global Brand Ambassador, while actor Jim Iyke is the Co-convener and Chief Strategy Officer. Oluwatobi Johnson Fakayode leads as Convener and CEO of the Motherland Heritage Cup, with Hon. Niyi Aofolajuwonlo heading the Lagos Local Organising Committee.
Former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia, ex-international Waidi Akanni, and football association chairmen from Lagos, Kano, Akwa Ibom, and the FCT are also part of the project.
Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Gafar, expressed delight over the successful unveiling and the calibre of personalities supporting the initiative.
“Football has consistently served as a unifying force in Nigeria, and the Motherland Heritage Cup provides our youth with another opportunity to aspire to greatness. The organizers are setting the pace, and the LSFA is ready to support initiatives that promote identity and create opportunities for young people,” he said.
The Motherland Heritage Cup is expected to become one of the continent’s most significant football and cultural festivals, blending sports, entertainment, heritage, and diplomacy on one prestigious platform.
