The 2026 Honda Football Championship has been officially launched in Tamale, setting the stage for a five-day university football tournament expected to showcase emerging talent from across the country.

The launch ceremony, held at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, brought together key stakeholders in sports, education and business, all united by a shared goal of promoting youth development through football.

The competition, which begins on Tuesday, March 24 and runs until Saturday, March 28, will feature eight tertiary institutions competing for honours in what organisers describe as a platform for nurturing the next generation of footballers.

Representing the National Sports Authority, the Northern Regional Director, Ibrahim Alhassan Jihad, welcomed the decision to host the tournament in Tamale, noting its potential to boost sports development in the region. He expressed appreciation to Honda for selecting the Northern Region, describing the initiative as a significant opportunity for young athletes.

The President of the Ghana University Sports Association, Mr Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, commended Honda, Overseas Union Limited and RITE Sports Services for bringing the championship to life, stressing the importance of competitive platforms for student-athletes.

Alhaji Abu Hassan Rhyzo, Northern Regional Football Association Chairman, urged participating players to uphold discipline and professionalism, emphasising that the tournament offered valuable exposure for young footballers.

Traditional authorities also endorsed the initiative, with a representative of the Chief of Chuggu, Chuggu Naa Mahama II, praising Honda’s investment in the region and highlighting the North’s reputation for producing talented footballers. He further appealed for reduced prices of Honda motorbikes to make them more accessible to residents.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Joseph Kwabena Daniels of Overseas Union Limited reflected on Honda’s long-standing presence in Tamale, noting that the company’s operations had created employment and skills development opportunities for local youth. He added that the championship had been designed to align with the sporting calendar and encouraged partnerships to sustain the initiative.

Francis Lew-Dibahi, Deputy Manager at Honda Motor Southern Africa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to community development, stating that the tournament formed part of a broader effort to support youth empowerment through sport.

The Registrar of the University for Development Studies, Mr Nurudeen Issah Abubakari, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, assured organisers of the institution’s full support to ensure a successful competition.

The highlight of the launch was the official draw for the group stages, which produced a competitive line-up. Group A comprises UDS, University of Professional Studies Accra, University of Energy and Natural Resources and Bolgatanga Technical University, while Group B features the University of Ghana, University of Mines and Technology, University of Business and Integrated Development Studies and Tamale Technical University.

With the draw completed and kick-off imminent, anticipation is building as teams prepare to battle for supremacy in what is expected to be a vibrant and competitive tournament. Organisers say the championship will not only deliver exciting football but also serve as a vital platform for identifying and developing future stars of the game.