Moniepoint MFB has unveiled Monieball, Nigeria’s first-ever national university 5-a-side football tournament, in a move the financial institution says will drive progress in both sports and education.
The maiden edition of the competition will run from October 8 to October 31, 2025, featuring eight universities across 16 matches and three host campuses, before culminating in the final and third-place playoff in Lagos.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Anastasia Igbokidi, Head of Brand at Moniepoint, explained that the initiative was designed to give students a platform to showcase their skills while connecting them to opportunities beyond football.
“Progress looks different to everyone and as the default financial institution that is made of the progress of Nigerians, we want Monieball to be more than a tournament — a catalyst for dreams, a unifying platform for talent, and an investment in the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
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She added: “As a Nigerian brand, we are attuned to the needs of Nigerians and the passion points that drive our customers with football as a critical driver of progress. Monieball is a very intentional plan. We really want to get close to the young people, to the students. We also recognise they love their passion for football. So we decided to bring them closer to what they love while rewarding. It is an investment in what they are interested in.”
The competition will be contested in a round-robin group stage followed by knockout semi-finals. University of Ilorin (host), University of Calabar, and University of Ibadan will play in Group A, while Group B will feature Abia State University, Adekunle Ajasin University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
Matches will be played under professional-grade conditions, including FA-standard pitches, British and European standard goalposts, and top-level officiating with two referees per game, a referee assessor, and a match commissioner.
The launch event was attended by top officials from the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA), including Acting President Dr. Ajibua Alayode, Technical Chairman Prof. Musa Garba Yakasai, and Secretary Mr. Yunusa Bazza, alongside directors of sports and student leaders from participating institutions.
Dr. Alayode, who is also Sports Director at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, hailed the partnership as a landmark moment.
“Today is an epoch-making day. It’s a day where creativity meets sports management. I’m excited to witness it. I believe this relationship is going to last very long. Moniepoint’s investment demonstrates a genuine commitment to grassroots sports, and their professional approach, in line with global standards, will undoubtedly elevate the university sports experience in Nigeria,” he said.
The entertainment around Monieball will extend beyond the pitch, with live commentary, DJ performances, and livestream coverage blending football with campus culture.
Moniepoint recently signed Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen as brand ambassador, with the Napoli forward saying his story aligns with the brand’s values.
“My journey has always been about believing in progress, no matter the challenges. That is why I am proud to be associated with Moniepoint, a brand that truly supports people’s dreams and celebrates their wins, big or small. Together, we will inspire millions of Nigerians to keep striving for more,” Osimhen said.
CEO of Perform Agency, Olamide Adeyemo, assured that all players will be under 25 years old and that “adequate security has been put in place to ensure a hitch free competition,” while also promising that NPFL scouts will attend matches to identify emerging talent.
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