Moniepoint unveils Monieball varsity football tournament

Moniepoint Microfinance Bank has unveiled the maiden edition of its Monieball five-a-side University Football Tournament, scheduled across Nigeria from Oct. 8 to Oct. 31.

The bank’s Head of Brand, Anastasia Igbokidi, confirmed this during the unveiling ceremony held in Lagos on Friday.

She explained that the competition, featuring eight universities, is designed to promote football and support students’ educational aspirations across the country.

Igbokidi added that participating players stand the chance of securing scholarships as part of the incentives offered in the tournament.

She stressed that the initiative reflects Moniepoint’s commitment to youth empowerment through education and sports.

“We want to grow brand awareness, connect with young people, and show them we have a lot to offer,” she said.

She further explained that the campaign would help the bank better understand young people’s expectations from a financial institution.

“For us, progress is intentional. We want students to see and believe our commitment through initiatives like this,” she added.

She said the campaign was also designed to make young people “see, believe, rely on, trust, engage with and love the brand.”

She said the tournament would reward students with a platform to showcase talents, while enjoying meaningful incentives and exposure.

Igbokidi noted that the five-a-side format would allow hidden talents to form five-player teams and compete through knockout semifinals.

Acting NUGA President, Alayode Ajibua, described the initiative as a landmark combination of sports and creativity.

Ajibua, also Sports Director at Federal University of Technology, Akure, highlighted NUGA’s commitment to supporting sporting initiatives.

“Today is an epoch-making day. It’s a day where creativity meets sports management. I’m excited to witness it,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the partnership between NUGA and Moniepoint would stand the test of time.

“I believe this relationship is going to last very long,” he added.

Ajibua said the competition would offer students a platform to showcase talents, build teamwork and foster healthy rivalry across institutions.

Universities participating include: Group A University of Ilorin (Host), University of Calabar, and University of Ibadan.

Group B :Abia State University, Adekunle Ajasin University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).