The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Ibidapo Ibikunle Football Championship has officially announced Saturday, June 27, 2026, as the date for the screening exercise ahead of the sixth edition of the grassroots football competition.
The championship, which has grown into one of the most respected talent-discovery platforms in Osun State and its environs, will this year feature competitions in the Under-13, Under-15, and Free Age categories.
According to the organizers, the screening exercise will serve as the first step in identifying eligible players and teams that will participate in the 2026 edition of the tournament.
Since its inception, the Ibidapo Ibikunle Football Championship has remained committed to grassroots football development, talent identification, youth engagement, and community development through sports. Over the years, the competition has attracted hundreds of young footballers, coaches, scouts, and football enthusiasts from different parts of Osun State and even beyond.
In keeping with the tradition of previous editions, participating teams, players and outstanding performers will compete for an array of rewards, including cash prizes, trophies, souvenirs, medals, and individual awards designed to recognize sportsmanship and outstanding performances throughout the competition.
The championship has continued to gain popularity due to its excellent organization and its reputation as a platform for discovering hidden football talents. Previous editions have produced several promising players who have gone on to represent clubs and academies within and outside Osun State.
The fifth edition, held in 2025, further consolidated the competition’s status as one of the leading grassroots football tournaments in the region. The event recorded impressive participation across various categories, drew large crowds, and provided another avenue for young footballers to demonstrate their skills before coaches, scouts, and football stakeholders. The successful staging of the competition reinforced its growing influence in youth football development across Osun State.
The championship is sponsored by renowned philanthropist and sports enthusiast Ibidapo Ibikunle, whose commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development has continued to impact countless young people. Beyond sponsoring the annual football competition, Ibikunle has distinguished himself through several community development initiatives, including the donation of ultra-modern football substitute benches to the Osogbo Township Stadium as part of his efforts to improve sporting infrastructure and support football development in Osun State. His contributions have earned widespread commendation from football stakeholders and sports administrators across the state.
Speaking on the forthcoming tournament, members of the organizing committee expressed confidence that the sixth edition would surpass previous editions in terms of participation, competitiveness, and overall organization, while further strengthening the championship’s role as a breeding ground for future football stars.
Players, coaches, football academies, and interested participants are therefore encouraged to prepare for the screening exercise and take advantage of the opportunity to be part of one of Osun State’s foremost grassroots football competitions.
SCREENING DETAILS
Competition: 6th Ibidapo Ibikunle Football Championship
Screening Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
For Enquiries:
- Coach Shakiru – +234 803 137 7427
- Coach Najeem – +234 803 615 2048
- Coach Kayode – +234 903 251 6547
 of the Ibidapo Ibikunle Football Championship has officially announced Saturday, June 27, 2026, as the date for the screening exercise ahead of the sixth edition of the grassroots football competition.){kind=link}