Afriskaut joins Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup as scouting partner for 2026 edition

Sports

The organisers of the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup (PAOC) have confirmed a new partnership with Afriskaut, a football scouting and talent identification platform, ahead of the tournament’s fifth edition in 2026.

As part of the agreement, players who impress at PAOC 2026 will be given exposure through Afriskaut’s network, opening a pathway to scouts, clubs, agents and academies operating across Africa and further afield.

The PAOC organising team said the collaboration is closely aligned with what the competition is designed to achieve.

In a statement, the committee said: “The Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup was founded not only to offer competitive football, but also to generate real chances for young players. Linking up with Afriskaut boosts our capacity to bring deserving talents to life-changing opportunities that extend beyond the tournament itself.”

The 2026 edition, carrying the theme “Building to Last,” will take place with youth teams from 16 Local Football Councils across Ekiti State. Before the matches begin, the event will be preceded by a capacity-building seminar focused on professionalism and grassroots football regulations.

Backed by Hon. Akintunde Oyebode, the annual competition has grown into one of Ekiti State’s leading grassroots football platforms since it began, with talent discovery and community development positioned at its core.

Afriskaut, meanwhile, focuses on spotting, evaluating and monitoring players throughout Africa, while also linking them with club opportunities worldwide.

Zibuyile Dladla
Zibuyile Dladla
Senior Writer

Zibuyile began her media journey as a sales intern at Mediamark (Kagiso Media) before moving into digital content creation for ZAlebs.com. Over four years, she helped evolve the platform from a simple blog into one of South Africa’s leading independent entertainment news sites.
Following ZAlebs’ transition to Celebrity Worx in 2016, Zibuyile was promoted to Executive Editor, recognized for her sharp audience insight and ability to match editorial with branded content. Highlights of her time include a Bookmark Award nomination, judging TLC’s Next Great Presenter, reporting from the MTV EMAs, and building partnerships with radio stations like YFM, Cliff Central, and Good Hope FM.
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