African youth football is about to hear a new whistle – sharp, ambitious and echoing far beyond the touchlines.
Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI) has announced the launch of its first-ever African youth football tournament, the Roc Cup, a bold opening move that feels like a perfectly weighted through-ball into the continent’s future.
The landmark competition will be staged at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra from 23–28 February 2026, marking a flagship moment following RNSI’s expansion into the African football market.
The Roc Cup brings structure, intent and opportunity. Ten elite youth teams from five football-rich nations, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, will compete in a round-robin format, ensuring every side has time on the ball and a chance to shine.
More than silverware is at stake. The Roc Cup forms a central pillar of RNSI’s long-term vision: an authentic presence on the continent, meaningful community impact, and clear, credible pathways for Africa’s brightest young players to reach the global game.
“The Roc Cup is more than just a tournament, it is a visible declaration of our commitment to African football,” said Grant Veitch, Director of African Football Recruitment at Roc Nation Sports International.
“After signing several incredible teenage talents last year, we are solidifying our investment by hosting this special event. We aim to inspire local communities and to hopefully provide a genuine European pathway for the continent’s brightest emerging stars.”
Set in the heart of Accra, the tournament will be played at the 10,000-capacity University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with free entry to all matches. The open gates are symbolic with football as a shared language, inviting families, students and young dreamers to witness the next generation lace up under the African sun.
Beyond the pitch, the Roc Cup is designed to ripple through the local economy . Local volunteers, vendors and small businesses will be integrated into the event, turning matchdays into cultural gatherings that celebrate community as much as competition.
Crucially, the tournament will also function as a European pathway showcase, with international and African scouts in attendance. For many players, this could be the moment when raw talent meets the right audience.
The long-term ambition is clear: to establish the Roc Cup as a sustainable, annual fixture on the African youth football calendar. The tournament will return every year to help shape futures and sharpening dreams.
Participating teams
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Benab FC (Ghana)
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Tripple 44 FC (Nigeria)
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Sporting Lagos (Nigeria)
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Zilina Africa (Ghana)
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Empire FC (Côte d’Ivoire)
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Fadama Field Masters (Ghana)
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Semper Fi (Ghana)
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Racing Club d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
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SOAR Academy (Guinea)
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Kadji Sports Academy (Cameroon)
Several prominent South African sportsmen and women are associated with Roc Nation Sports, the management agency founded by Jay-Z. The agency has a strong focus on South African talent across rugby, cricket, netball, and soccer, as well as a partnership with the Sharks rugby team.
Key South African sports figures signed with Roc Nation include:
- Siya Kolisi: The Springbok captain, who signed with the agency to manage his brand and commercial ventures.
- Cheslin Kolbe: Rugby World Cup-winning wing.
- Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira: Former Springbok prop.
- Temba Bavuma: Proteas test cricket captain.
- Bongiwe Msomi: Former SPAR Proteas netball captain.
- Lungi Ngidi: Proteas fast bowler.
- Emile Witbooi: 16-year-old Cape Town City FC starlet and soccer prodigy.
- Siyabonga Mabena: Mamelodi Sundowns young forward.
- Neo Bohloko: Kaizer Chiefs young striker.
Roc Nation has expanded heavily into African football, signing young talent from the PSL and other African nations, with a focus on holistic career development.
Photos: Supplied
