By Francis Sadhere, Warri
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, have arrived in Portugal to witness one of the world’s biggest grassroots football tournaments.
The duo are in the European nation to observe the ongoing IBERCUP 2026, a global youth football competition that has attracted over 400 teams from more than 30 countries, featuring players between the ages of 10 and 18.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Mulade, who also serves as Vice President of the Nigeria Mini Football Association, described the tournament as a remarkable platform for young talents to showcase their skills and gain international exposure.
“It’s beautiful and amazing to see kids between the ages of 10–18 from different parts of the world displaying their soccer skills in a conducive environment where they can easily be discovered by scouts,” he said.
Mulade noted that the visit was part of efforts to gather knowledge and best practices that would help in the development and launch of his Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, aimed at empowering youths through sports.
He further commended the level of organization and participation at the tournament, emphasizing that such exposure gives participating teams a competitive edge. According to him, four Nigerian teams—mainly from the northern region—are participating and performing impressively.
“I can see why they have an advantage because of the lengths they go to expose their players,” he added.
The Niger Delta advocate called on stakeholders and political office holders in the region to invest more in grassroots sports development, stressing that it holds significant potential for youth empowerment and tourism growth.
This year’s edition of the IBERCUP is being hosted in Portugal, bringing together young football talents from across the globe in a celebration of sportsmanship and development.
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, have arrived in Portugal to witness one of the world’s biggest grassroots football tournaments.
The duo are in the European nation to observe the ongoing IBERCUP 2026, a global youth football competition that has attracted over 400 teams from more than 30 countries, featuring players between the ages of 10 and 18.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Mulade, who also serves as Vice President of the Nigeria Mini Football Association, described the tournament as a remarkable platform for young talents to showcase their skills and gain international exposure.
“It’s beautiful and amazing to see kids between the ages of 10–18 from different parts of the world displaying their soccer skills in a conducive environment where they can easily be discovered by scouts,” he said.
Mulade noted that the visit was part of efforts to gather knowledge and best practices that would help in the development and launch of his Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, aimed at empowering youths through sports.
He further commended the level of organization and participation at the tournament, emphasizing that such exposure gives participating teams a competitive edge. According to him, four Nigerian teams—mainly from the northern region—are participating and performing impressively.
“I can see why they have an advantage because of the lengths they go to expose their players,” he added.
The Niger Delta advocate called on stakeholders and political office holders in the region to invest more in grassroots sports development, stressing that it holds significant potential for youth empowerment and tourism growth.
This year’s edition of the IBERCUP is being hosted in Portugal, bringing together young football talents from across the globe in a celebration of sportsmanship and development.
