Playball Africa started in 2017 as a small-scale soccer tournament known as "Samba"
which took place on the 29th of December 2017, targeting secondary schools in Nigeria. The first event was held in the community primary schools at Magodo Phase 2, a small local venue, and several secondary schools were gathered for a day of spirited
competition. This humble beginning laid the groundwork for future growth and the eventual transformation into a
university-level tournament. In the summer of 2018, with the addition of new team members, the name was changed
from Samba to Playball Africa.
2019 Playball Africa evolved, hosting the first university edition at Supreme Education Foundation (SEF), with four
universities participating. This marked a significant shift from secondary schools to universities, bringing in a more
structured and organized format. The turnout was better than in previous editions, signaling the beginning of a new
era for Playball.
A recent edition of Playball, held in 2023 at Campus Mini Stadium, drew a record crowd of at least 1000 people,
bearing in mind the bad weather conditions on that day. The event featured eight universities competing at a higher
level, with Bells University emerging as the champion. This growth in attendance and engagement reflects Playball's
increasing popularity and the potential for further expansion.
With the most recent edition of Playball, held also at Campus Mini Stadium, with a crowd of over 3000 people,
featuring an Esports competition as well as a Football competition. The event featured 12 Universities competing in
a fast paced action packed event with University of Lagos emerging as the Champions. With an over 50% engagement
increase and millions of accounts reached on all socials shows increased popularity and awareness about Playball.
Numbers from Past Years
Tickets Sold:
- 2017 (Community): 100 tickets sold
- 2019 (SEF): 240 tickets sold
- 2023 (Campus Mini Stadium): 1500 tickets sold
- 2024 (Campus Mini Stadium): 3000 tickets sold
Schools we have worked with...
From campus fields to packed stadiums, these are the schools that have believed in the Playball Africa vision. Together, we’ve sparked rivalries, built communities, and brought the game to life across universities.
Every jersey worn, every goal scored, and every cheer from the stands tells a story of passion, unity, and youthful energy. These schools aren’t just participants — they’re the heartbeat of a growing movement redefining campus sports in Africa.
