The 2026 Nathaniel Idowu Junior 7s Secondary Schools Football League began in explosive fashion on Friday, October 9, as five matches at the New Maracana Sports Complex in Tolu produced 18 goals, comeback drama and several impressive early displays.
The grassroots competition is supported by the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, established by Chief Yemi Idowu, and is being run by Peakline Sports World Limited under its Director-General, McAnthony Anaelechukwu. The opening programme quickly highlighted the quality of emerging school-level talent.
Opening-day results
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Sacred Heart made an early statement in the title race by beating El Leonora College 3-0. Forward Okor Duke struck twice, while Ezikeona David added the other goal in a composed team performance.
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Newland Senior Secondary School and Dorcas Memorial College produced the most entertaining contest of the day, drawing 3-3. Lawal Kramd, Nwabugwu Ifeanyi and Bello Samad were on the scoresheet, along with Chigozie, Adekanye Bukunmi and Ujuoatun Michael.
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Gracewell Academy Coker earned a convincing 2-0 victory against Topfield College, with Adedeji Mustakeen scoring both goals.
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On Court 2, GIF College overcame Doradiem Schools by a 2-1 scoreline thanks to goals from Okafor Damian and Uzoigwe Salvation.
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Reservation Secondary School were awarded a 3-0 walkover after Gracewell Academy Badagry failed to appear for their fixture.
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The final match saw Bola Ige recover from an early setback to defeat Better Tomorrow Schools 2-1. Jamiu Basit gave Better Tomorrow the lead before Iwaemi Israel and Quadri Asalam completed the turnaround.
Golden Boot race takes shape
Okor Duke and Adedeji Mustakeen lead the early Golden Boot standings after each scored twice on the first day. With teams already looking to seize control of the league, the second week at the New Maracana Sports Complex is expected to bring another fiercely contested round of matches.
