DRAWS DONE AND DUSTED, SPIRES 5ASIDE SEASON 2 SET TO KICK OFF
By Victor Ottah

The stage is set for the second edition of the highly anticipated Spires 5-Aside Tournament, as grassroots football takes centre stage once again. The tournament, known for its commitment to nurturing emerging talent and building a sustainable football ecosystem, will begin with the divisional rounds—starting with the Ikeja Division.

After an open and transparent draw ceremony, participating teams now know their first opponents and are expected to get down to the serious business of preparation. With age eligibility set between 16 and 21, this year’s edition places a strong emphasis on youth development, offering a vital platform for young players to be scouted and mentored by professional clubs.

Dr. Femi Bankole Allibay, Convener of the tournament, reaffirmed the tournament’s mission: “The Spires 5-Aside Tournament remains dedicated to the growth of grassroots football and to creating an ecosystem that generates wealth for everyone involved, directly or indirectly. Our goal is to provide a launchpad for the next generation of football talent.”

Ikeja Division Fixtures

Saturday, April 19

Wasola vs African Future Stars

A Kins United vs Micro Giant

King FC Ikoyi vs Useful Youth

Soccer Gems vs TBD

Sunday, April 20

Ballers FA vs Amsterdam FA

Divinely Blessed FC vs Blood and Sand FC

Wednesday, April 23 (Quarterfinals)

Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 3

Winner Match 2 vs Winner Match 4

Saturday, April 26

Third Place Match & Final

Ikorodu Division Fixtures

Saturday, May 10

Better Tomorrow ISA vs Marine Boyz

Diamond FC vs New Generation FC

Sunday, May 11

Orion and Leon FC vs Opopo Ona Iwa Mimo FC

Eva Green FC vs Oladunjoye FC

Wednesday, May 14 (Semi-finals)

Winner 1 vs Winner 3

Winner 2 vs Winner 4

Saturday, May 17

Third Place Match & Final

Epe Division Fixtures

Saturday, May 31

Net Breakers FC vs De Ultimate

Papa FA vs Toprocks FA

Sunday, June 1

Olaodus FC vs Flame FC

Angso Sport vs Peckins FA

Wednesday, June 4 (Semi-finals)

Winner 1 vs Winner 3

Winner 2 vs Winner 4

Saturday, June 7

Third Place Match & Final

Badagry Division Fixtures

Saturday, June 21

A Kins United vs Cheekas Feeders

Micro Giant FC vs Emaljus FC

Sunday, June 22

Joint FC vs Favour Galaxy Sport

All Saints vs Olhan FA

Wednesday, June 25 (Semi-finals)

Winner 1 vs Winner 3

Winner 2 vs Winner 4

Saturday, June 28

Third Place Match & Final

Lagos Island Division Fixtures

Saturday, July 12

Greater Tomorrow vs FC Rainbow

Dolphin FC vs 2 Odds FC

Sunday, July 13

Kings FC Ikoyi vs Young Striker FC

Uncle Michael FC vs White Tigers FC

Wednesday, July 16 (Semi-finals)

Winner 1 vs Winner 3

Winner 2 vs Winner 4

Saturday, July 19

Third Place Match & Final

Fans are encouraged to follow the action closely through Spires 5-Aside’s official social media handles on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook via @spires5aside. For live match coverage and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to the Spires 5-Aside YouTube channel and witness the emergence of Nigeria’s next football stars.

As the whistle gets ready to blow on another chapter of grassroots excellence, one thing is clear: the future of Nigerian football is being shaped—one 5-aside pitch at a time.