By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Association Africaine de Futsal (AAF) has rolled out an ambitious 2026 programme that places futsal at the heart of Africa’s bid for greater relevance and influence on the global sports stage, with youth development, international exposure and institutional partnerships forming the backbone of the plan.

At a press briefing held in Abuja yesterday, the AAF Publicity Secretary, Mr. Edewor Oputa, detailed a packed calendar of tournaments, global events and development initiatives designed to expand the sport’s footprint across the continent while aligning Africa more closely with major international sporting platforms.

“We are thrilled to kick off the year with our Under 17 Futsal International Tournament in Kenya, which will feature some of the best young talent from across the continent,” Oputa said.

The AAF Under-17 Futsal International Tournament, scheduled for May 2026 in Kenya, will open the association’s activities for the year and is expected to serve as a major talent-identification platform for young players from across Africa.

“This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, as we also prepare to take part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and host our inaugural African Futsal Inter School Tournament in Togo,” he said.

Beyond the continental competitions, the AAF confirmed that futsal will feature as a side event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, 2026, followed by the African Futsal Inter School Tournament in Togo in August 2026, a competition aimed at strengthening the sport at the grassroots level within Africa’s school system.

The calendar will extend into the final quarter of the year with Africa’s participation in the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, where futsal will again feature as a side event from October 31 to November 13, 2026, further boosting the continent’s visibility in global youth sports.

A major highlight of the year will come earlier in March 2026, when Brazilian futsal legend Falcão tours three African countries, an initiative expected to inspire young players while transferring technical knowledge to coaches and administrators.

“We are committed to developing futsal in primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions and football clubs throughout Africa.

“Our goal is to build African futsal to a global level by 2035, and we are working closely with FIFA, CAF, and football federations to make this vision a reality,” he added.

The AAF said interested teams and schools can register through its official website as preparations intensify for what it described as a defining year for the sport on the continent.

“Let’s all make futsal grow and develop in Africa,” Oputa said.