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The hallowed halls of Nigeria’s courtrooms are set to go quiet this April as the country’s most prominent legal minds trade their silk robes for football jerseys.
Organisers have officially unveiled the lineup for the 2026 Aare Afe Babalola SAN Champions Cup, a high-stakes football tournament that blends athletic rivalry with a life-saving mission: raising awareness for prostate cancer.
Now in its second iteration specifically focused on men’s health awareness, the competition—named after the legendary philanthropist and legal icon Aare Afe Babalola—is scheduled to kick off on 11 April 2026.
The last winners of the tournament was Trans Advisory FC in 2025.
More Than Just a Game
While the silverware is a major draw, the tournament serves a dual purpose. In a country where medical screenings are often sidelined, the event will offer free medical check-ups and prostate cancer screenings to participants and spectators alike.
Prostate cancer remains one of the most diagnosed cancers among Nigerian men. By using the “beautiful game” as a backdrop, the legal community aims to de-stigmatize the screening process and encourage early detection.
The Contenders: A Field of “Silks”
The 2026 edition sees an expansion in scale, featuring 15 male teams and 4 female teams. The draw has placed several heavyweights in “Groups of Death,” featuring firms led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN)—the highest distinction in the Nigerian legal profession.
Group A is headlined by the 2023 champions, Afe Babalola (SAN) & Co. FC, who face stiff competition from the likes of Y.C. Maikyau (SAN) & Co. Group B features J.B. Daudu (SAN) & Co. FC, the 2022 victors, alongside Yusuf Ali (SAN) & Co., a side notoriously known as the “perennial bridesmaids” after finishing as runners-up on three separate occasions.
Group C includes the defending champions, Glaciers FC, who will be looking to cement their dynasty after their 2024 triumph.
Group A
Afe Babalola & Co. (2023 Champs)
Yakubu Philemon & Co.
Rickey Tarfa & Co.
Vogue Legal Advisory
Y.C. Maikyau & Co.
Group B
J.B. Daudu & Co. (2022 Champs)
Joe Agi & Aweda Partners
Yusuf Ali & Co. (3-time Runners-up)
Lukman Fagbemi & Co.
Chikasolu Ojukwu & Co.
Group C
B & C Lakers (Babalakin & Co.)
T.J. Aondo & Co.
Glaciers FC (2024 Champs)
Elite Lawyers Association
M.S Ibrahim& Co.
The Rise of the “Legal Ballers”
Breaking the traditional male-dominated mould of previous years, the 2026 tournament highlights a growing female contingent. Four teams—Gemmas FC, City Strikers, Legal Ballers, and Phoenix FC—will compete, reflecting the increasing diversity within the Nigerian Bar Association.
A Legacy of Competition
Since its inception, the trophy has moved through the hands of several elite firms. Historically, Team Mexis and G.L.A. F.C. dominated the early years, but the recent era has seen a rotating guard of champions, making the 2026 title anyone’s for the taking.
A statement signed by Olujimi Olujide-Poko confirmed that preparations are in the final stages, with the legal community urged to turn out in force—not just for the goals, but for the health screenings that remain the heart of the initiative.
Mr. Olujide-Poko also revealed that the games will be played at the prestigious Astro Turf Arena located at No. 40 Accra street, Zone 5 Wuse, Abuja.
Aare Afe Babalola Champions Cup 2026: 19 teams unveiled as legal giants kick off cancer drive
