Roc Nation launches African youth tournament to create pathways for young talent
Roc Nation Sports International have set up a youth football tournament for young players across the African continent.
Image: Supplied
Roc Nation Sports International has announced the launch of its first youth football tournament on the African continent, unveiling the inaugural Roc Cup, which will be staged in Accra next month.
The tournament will take place at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium from 23 to 28 February 2026 and marks a significant step in Roc Nation Sports International’s recent expansion into African football.
The Roc Cup will feature 10 elite youth teams from five African nations – Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea – competing in a round-robin format. Organisers have described the event as a cornerstone of the company’s long-term strategy to establish a meaningful presence on the continent and create credible development pathways for emerging talent.
Grant Veitch, Director of African Football Recruitment at Roc Nation Sports International, said the tournament represents more than just a competitive showcase.
“The Roc Cup is more than just a tournament, it is a visible declaration of our commitment to African football,” Veitch said.
“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.”
Among the participating teams are Ghanaian sides Benab FC, Zilina Africa, Fadama Field Masters and Semper Fi, alongside Nigeria’s Tripple 44 FC and Sporting Lagos. Côte d’Ivoire will be represented by Empire FC and Racing Club d’Abidjan, while SOAR Academy of Guinea and Cameroon’s Kadji Sports Academy complete the line-up.
All matches will be played at the 10,000-capacity University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with organisers confirming that entry will be free of charge. The decision is aimed at ensuring broad community access, with families, students and aspiring young footballers across Accra encouraged to attend.
Beyond the action on the pitch, the tournament is also expected to provide a boost to the local economy. Roc Nation Sports International plans to involve local volunteers and create opportunities for small vendors and businesses operating around the stadium precinct.
From a footballing perspective, the Roc Cup is designed to function as a scouting platform, with international and African scouts set to attend the event in search of emerging talent. Organisers believe the competitive environment will allow young players to measure themselves against elite peers while gaining exposure to professional pathways.
The long-term ambition is for the Roc Cup to become an annual fixture, with Roc Nation Sports International hoping to establish it as a permanent and influential part of the African youth football calendar.
IOL Sport