Foremost Niger Delta philanthropist and Chairman of the Delta State Mini Football Association, Dr. Mulade Sheriff, alongside the President of the Mini Football Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Datti Umar Yusuf, is currently in Portugal to observe one of the world’s largest grassroots football tournaments.
Dr. Mulade, who also serves as Vice President of the Nigeria Mini Football Association, described the visit as a strategic effort to acquire valuable insights that will support the development and expansion of his Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy.
He expressed admiration for the ongoing IBERCUP 2026, a globally recognized youth football tournament featuring over 400 teams from more than 30 countries, with participants ranging from under-10 to under-18 age categories.
According to him, the tournament provides an exceptional platform for young talents to showcase their skills in a well-organized and competitive environment, offering increased visibility to international scouts.
“It is inspiring to witness young players from across the world display their talents in such a conducive atmosphere where they can easily attract the attention of scouts,” he noted.
Dr. Mulade further emphasized that the experience reinforces the need for greater investment in grassroots football development.
He highlighted the participation of four Nigerian teams, predominantly from the northern region, commending their impressive performance and exposure.
He urged stakeholders and political office holders in the Niger Delta to prioritize grassroots sports development, noting that it has the potential to create opportunities for youth empowerment and drive tourism growth in the region.
The 2026 edition of the IBERCUP is being hosted in Portugal.
