*By Nnasom David

After weeks of fierce competition filled with passion, drama, and flashes of brilliance, the Perrypays Superstars Cup is re aching its most defining moment — the grand finale.

Set to unfold under the lights of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) pitch inside the National Stadium, Lagos, the stage is now set for a football spectacle that promises to celebrate not just talent, but the very soul of Nigerian grassroots football.

Organized by Perrypays Services Ltd., the tournament has become more than just a series of matches. From the streets of Warri to the heart of Abuja, the Superstars Cup has evolved into a symbol of hope for young footballers across the country — a platform that fuses intense competition with opportunities for real growth.

The journey that began with over 30 clubs has now narrowed to just eight formidable contenders, each carrying the hopes of their regions and the dreams of their players.

Drawn from Edo, Delta, Benue, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory, the final eight teams have demonstrated tactical intelligence, technical flair, and unyielding determination. Their stories are woven with grit and perseverance, as each side fought its way through regional qualifiers to earn a place in Lagos. The rivalry between the Northern and Southern conferences has added another layer of intensity, with regional pride now at stake alongside the trophy.

The tournament’s final rounds will kick off with the quarterfinals on May 1st, followed by the semifinals on May 2nd, and will culminate with the third-place match and grand finale on May 4th — all at the iconic NIS Pitch in Surulere. The venue, known for hosting some of Nigeria’s most historic football moments, is expected to buzz with activity as fans, scouts, and supporters from across the country converge to witness the climax of this grassroots revolution.

But the Perrypays Superstars Cup offers far more than bragging rights. The top three teams will share a prize purse of ₦6 million — with ₦3 million going to the champions, ₦2 million to the runners-up, and ₦1 million for the third-place finishers. These rewards are not just symbolic; they represent tangible support for club development, equipment, and infrastructure, helping to sustain the growth of young teams long after the tournament ends.

Adding an unprecedented layer of opportunity, international scouts from Europe and beyond have confirmed their attendance at the final stages. For many players, this tournament is not just a chance to lift a trophy — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be discovered, signed, and launched into the global football scene. It’s a scouting window that could transform dreams into professional careers, offering a rare bridge between Nigeria’s raw talent and the global football market.

Driving this movement is Mr. Precious Dorti, CEO of Perrypays Services Ltd., whose passion for youth empowerment through sports has been instrumental in shaping the tournament’s impact. “The Perrypays Superstars Cup is not just about winning,” Dorti said. “It’s about changing lives. We believe that football is one of the most powerful tools to shape the future of our youth, and we’re using this platform to provide real opportunities — from financial support to international visibility. Lagos will witness the birth of future stars, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”

As the final whistle approaches, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Teams are arriving in Lagos with focused minds and fierce determination, while fans are preparing to rally behind their favorites. Coaches are fine-tuning strategies for what could be the biggest matches of their young players’ lives.

More than just a tournament, the Perrypays Superstars Cup has become a movement — a celebration of homegrown talent, a call to invest in youth development, and a bold reminder that the future of Nigerian football lies not just in the elite leagues, but in the hearts of determined young players in cities and communities across the country.

The battle lines are drawn. The stakes have never been higher. And come May 4th, when the final whistle blows, it won’t just mark the end of a competition — it will signal the beginning of new destinies. Lagos, get ready. Football history is about to be written.