BY JULIET EKWENUGO
AKURE
Debutants Elite FC produced the biggest upset of the fourth edition of the D’Royal Off-Season Football Tournament (DOFT 2026) by defeating defending champions Olukayode FC 1-0 in a thrilling final to emerge champions.
The tournament, tagged “Akara Na Senior Burger,” reached its climax on Sunday, July 12, as football fans thronged the venue, bringing activities in parts of the ancient city of Akure to a standstill.
Elite FC’s narrow victory earned the team the tournament’s top prize of N1 million and gold medals, while runners-up Olukayode FC received N500,000 and silver medals. The final was officially kicked off by Ambassador Olaniboji Olatunbosun.
In the third-place match, Akure The King City defeated Velocity FC 2-0 to claim the bronze medal and N200,000.
The competition also witnessed the maiden edition of the DOFT Women’s Cup, featuring Onimarg FC, K.D.O. FC and Havilah Queens. Onimarg FC emerged champions to claim N200,000, while K.D.O. FC and Havilah Queens received N100,000 and N50,000 respectively.
Beyond football, the organisers promoted inclusiveness through the inaugural D’Royal Inclusive Foundation (DRIF) Para-Table Tennis Championship, where seven physically challenged athletes participated in a novelty contest and shared N300,000 in prize money.
The colourful closing ceremony featured a cultural performance by the J-29 troupe, whose display of music and dance entertained spectators before the presentation of trophies and prizes.
Sponsors and partners, including Bet9ja Foundation, Nestlé Nigeria, Providus Bank, H&B Sports Global, Ageless and GoldIt, were represented at the event, while Rite Foods Limited was unable to attend.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, President of DOFT, Mr. Olaniboji Mathew, popularly known as D’Royal, thanked the fans, participating teams, referees, football scouts, medical personnel and members of the organising committee for contributing to the success of the tournament.
He also appreciated the sponsors and partners for supporting the initiative and assured football lovers that the fifth edition would be bigger and more exciting.
