Elite FC Dethrone Champions Olukayode To Clinch DOFT 2026 Crown

Debutants Elite FC produced a stunning performance to defeat defending champions Olukayode FC 1-0 and win the fourth edition of the D’Royal Off-Season Football Tournament (DOFT 2026 in Akure.

The month-long competition, themed “Akara Na Senior Burger,” concluded with an entertaining final that drew football enthusiasts from across the ancient city.

Elite FC’s triumph earned them the tournament’s top prize of ₦1 million and gold medals, while runners-up Olukayode FC received ₦500,000 and silver medals. In the third-place play-off, Akure The King City defeated Velocity FC 2-0 to claim ₦200,000 and bronze medals.

This year’s tournament also witnessed the successful introduction of the DOFT Women’s Cup. Onimarg FC emerged champions of the three-team competition to pocket ₦200,000, while K.D.O. FC and Havilah Queens finished second and third respectively, receiving ₦100,000 and ₦50,000.

In another milestone, the D’Royal Inclusive Foundation (DRIF) staged the maiden Para Table Tennis Championship, with seven physically challenged athletes taking part in a novelty event. The participants shared a total prize fund of ₦300,000.

The closing ceremony featured colourful cultural performances by the J-29 cultural troupe, while sponsors and partners, including Bet9ja Foundation, Nestlé Nigeria, Providus Bank, H&B Sports Global, Ageless and GoldIt, reaffirmed their support for grassroots sports development.

DOFT President, Olaniboji Mathew, popularly known as D’Royal, praised the organising committee, referees, scouts, media personnel and medical team for their commitment to the tournament’s success.

He also thanked the sponsors and partners for their invaluable support, describing their contributions as vital to the growth of the competition, and pledged that the fifth edition would be even bigger and better.

The 2026 tournament concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, bringing the month-long football festival to a memorable close.