Moniepoint Launches National University Football Tourney to Empower Youths

Moniepoint Microfinance Bank has officially launched the maiden edition of Monieball, Nigeria’s first ever national university five-a-side football competition, scheduled to run from October 8 to 31, 2025. The initiative is designed to bring young Nigerians together, fostering camaraderie, healthy competition, and talent development among university students.

The month-long tournament will feature eight universities competing across 16 matches and eight matchdays, hosted at three campuses. Group A comprises the University of Ilorin (hosts), University of Calabar, and University of Ibadan, while Group B includes Abia State University, Adekunle Ajasin University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. The championship final and third-place playoff will be held in Lagos on Friday, October 31.

Matches will consist of two 25-minute halves with a five minute halftime. Each team will field four outfield players, one goalkeeper, and five substitutes, supported by five team officials.

Speaking on the rationale for the tournament, Moniepoint Head of Brand, Anastasia Igbokidi, said the initiative seeks to provide a platform where students can showcase their skills while connecting with broader opportunities beyond football.

“Progress looks different to everyone, and as a financial institution built on the progress of Nigerians, we want Monieball to be more than a tournament, it is a catalyst for dreams, a unifying platform for talent, and an investment in the leaders of tomorrow,” Igbokidi said.

The Acting President of the National University Games Association (NUGA), Dr. Ajibua Alayode, also Sports Director at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, emphasized NUGA’s commitment to supporting youth sports and expressed confidence in the partnership with Moniepoint.

“This is an epoch-making initiative where creativity meets sports management. Moniepoint’s investment demonstrates genuine dedication to grassroots sports, and their professional approach, aligned with global standards, will elevate the university sports experience in Nigeria,” Alayode said.

Additionally, officials and scouts from the Nigeria Premier Football League will be present throughout the tournament to identify emerging talent, ensuring that participants have pathways to professional opportunities. Moniepoint’s ambassador, Victor Osimhen, whose personal story mirrors resilience and achievement, symbolizes the vision of the initiative.

Monieball is thus positioned not merely as a sports competition, but as a formal platform to unite youth, promote talent, and foster leadership and teamwork across Nigeria’s university communities.