Aktofas FC emerged champions of the 21st edition of the annual Rasool Cup football tournament, edging out New Era FC 5-2 on penalties after a pulsating 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The final, held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Adamasingba Stadium, marked the climax of a competition that kicked off in September 2025, drawing participation from teams across the region.
New Era FC took the lead in the first half through a brilliant strike by Kola Olawole, setting the tone for an intense encounter. However, Aktofas FC responded strongly in the second half, with diminutive forward Nath Oyelade finding the equaliser after a tactically disciplined display. With both sides unable to break the deadlock at full time, the match proceeded to penalties, where Aktofas FC held their nerve to secure a 5-2 victory.
Speaking at the event, the sponsor of the tournament, Engr. Prof. Sabitu Olagoke, Founder and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen In Islam Worldwide, emphasised the importance of sports in youth development and national growth.
Delivering a lecture titled “Sporty Resources and the Cause of the Youth,” Olagoke stressed that Nigeria’s path to restoring discipline, security, and economic stability lies in meaningful engagement of its youth population.
He called for deliberate policies to institutionalise sports across all levels of education, advocating for its inclusion as a compulsory component of school curricula in both secondary and tertiary institutions. According to him, such measures would not only harness youthful energy but also promote unity across ethnic and religious divides.
Olagoke further urged government at all levels to invest in the establishment of sports academies to professionalise talent development, as well as build modern sporting arenas that would serve as recreational hubs, similar to what is obtainable in developed countries.
