The 2026 edition of the Share District Isokan Football Tournament (SDIFT 2026) will officially kick off on Saturday, November 7, and run until December 6, 2026. The grassroots sporting initiative seeks to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, social inclusion, and youth development across Share District and the wider Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The tournament will feature five community teams representing Share Wards 1 through 5, competing in 14 matches across two designated venues within the district. All matches are scheduled for 3:00 PM.
The opening fixture will see Esinkin FC take on Oluode FC at Agbonna Field, Share, setting the stage for a month-long celebration of grassroots football and emerging sporting talent.
Speaking on the objectives of the competition, the Tournament Coordinator, Lawal Kolawole, described it as an opportunity to strengthen community relations while providing young people with a platform to discover and develop their sporting abilities.
“This tournament is a grassroots-driven initiative designed to foster unity, social inclusion, and peaceful coexistence across the five wards of Share District and the broader Ifelodun Local Government Area. Beyond bringing our communities together, it provides an important platform to discover, nurture, and showcase emerging talents for opportunities at higher levels,” Kolawole stated.
The 2026 edition is primarily sponsored by Hon. Kayode Ishola, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kwara State on Digital Innovations. His support reflects a commitment to youth empowerment and the development of grassroots initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young people.
The competition also aligns with the development vision of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, whose commitment to sports development, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth continues to create opportunities for talents across the state.
By taking organised sporting activities closer to communities, SDIFT 2026 reinforces the Governor’s aspiration for a prosperous Kwara where young people are empowered to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Speaking on his motivation for supporting the tournament, Hon. Ishola said:
“Investing in our youth through initiatives like the Isokan Football Tournament goes beyond football. It is about creating constructive opportunities for young people, developing leadership skills, discovering talents, and strengthening community bonds. By supporting grassroots sports, we are contributing to sustainable community development and positive social change across Share District.”
As anticipation builds ahead of the opening match, organisers have called on community leaders, residents, football enthusiasts, stakeholders, and the media to come out in large numbers to support the participating teams.
Beyond the competition, SDIFT 2026 represents a shared commitment to harnessing the power of sports to unite communities, develop young talents, and contribute to the vision of a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Kwara State.
Owolabi K.M
Chairman, LOC
