The Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, and multiple sports and football stakeholders have thrown their weight behind the planned Motherland Heritage Cup 2026.
The tournament’s backing was formalised through the launch of the Motherland Heritage Cup 2026, with organisers pointing to the event’s aim of building stronger links with international African sports, entertainment, and cultural communities.
Quick facts
- The Motherland Heritage Cup 2026 has support from the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission.
- The launch highlighted efforts to strengthen connections with international African sports, entertainment, and cultural circles.
- Convener Oluwatobi Johnson Fakayode said the competition is backed by senior Nigerian leaders and patrons.
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) is listed as Grand Patron, Prince Tajudeen Olusi as Life Patron, Senator Godswill Akpabio as Patron, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende.
- Daniel Amokachi is named global brand ambassador, while Jim Iyke joins as co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer.
- Organisers say the cup draws on the success of the Motherland Festival & Expo 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, which brought together Africans and the global diaspora.
At the event’s recent launch, attended by football administrators, convener Oluwatobi Johnson Fakayode said the MHC 2026 package is backed by top Nigerian leadership and patrons. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) is the Grand Patron, Prince Tajudeen Olusi serves as Life Patron, Senator Godswill Akpabio is listed as a Patron, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attended through Lagos State’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende.
Fakayode also said the tournament has been shaped by momentum from the Motherland Festival & Expo 2025, described as a landmark gathering of Africans and the wider global diaspora held in Lagos, Nigeria. Daniel Amokachi has been announced as the global brand ambassador, while Jim Iyke takes on the dual role of co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer for MHC 2026.
