At least 30 Nigeria Bar Association branches will take part in the 2026 NBA Annual General Congress President’s Cup football tournament in Port Harcourt, with a total prize pool worth N20 million ready for teams that make their way to the business end of the competition.
Musa Abdullahi Lawan, chairman of the NBA Sports and Recreation Committee, revealed the details during the draw, confirming that the event has attracted 30 men’s sides and nine women’s teams. The male teams have been placed into five groups, while the women’s entries are distributed across three groups. In both categories, the top two teams from each group will progress to the second round.
The prize structure marks a significant jump compared to earlier editions, rising by more than 150 per cent. Clubs that win the cup in the men’s and women’s competitions will each receive N5 million, with runners-up awarded N3 million and third-placed teams taking N2 million apiece.
Speaking further, Lawan explained that the increase has been carried through the full payout. He said the winners of the cup will pocket N5 million in both the male and female events, second place will earn N3 million, and third place will receive N2 million—figures that combine to bring the overall prize money to roughly N20 million.
Lawan also framed the annual tournament as more than just football, describing it as a chance for lawyers from bar branches across Nigeria to stay active, take a break from their demanding schedules and strengthen professional links. “You know lawyers — sometimes we work 24-7. We don’t have time for exercise, we don’t have time for relaxation. We hold this competition so that we can keep fit and interact with other lawyers from branches all over Nigeria,” he said.
Alternate Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Committee, Olabisi Makanjuola, stressed the wider role sport can play in bringing people together, drawing a comparison with the ongoing FIFA World Cup. “Even though Nigeria is not at the World Cup, most Nigerians watching some matches forget their problems. That is the power of sport, particularly football,” Makanjuola said.
He added that the committee is seeking support from corporate organisations to help make the tournament smoother for travelling branches, noting that some teams are coming from northern Nigeria with limited resources. “We are calling on sponsors to come and support this competition — in terms of branding and accommodation for officials and some of the branches,” he said.
Beyond football, the AGC sports programme will also include table tennis and Scrabble competitions, giving participants additional events to compete in during the congress period.
