The 2026 edition of the Abdul Fatawu Foundation Gala brought Tamale to life with vibrant grassroots football action, as eight community teams battled for glory in one of the region’s most anticipated youth tournaments.

Organised by Black Stars and Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, the annual competition is designed to promote talent development and community engagement through football.

This year’s edition also benefited from a partnership with Rush Energy Drink, adding extra excitement and support to the event.



Held at Nobisco Park (Northern Business School) in Tamale, the tournament ran from Saturday, May 9, 2026, to Sunday, May 17, 2026. Over the course of nine days, local sides including Nestro 11, Wolves FC, Northern Stars, Naniford, Old Cemetery, and Kakpagyilli competed in a series of intense group-stage matches, followed by knockout rounds that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

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The competition featured spirited performances from young players eager to showcase their talent in front of scouts, coaches, and passionate supporters who filled the stands throughout the tournament.

After a fiercely contested finale, Northern Stars emerged as champions of the 2026 A. Fatawu Foundation Gala, capping off their impressive run with a memorable triumph.



The victory marked a proud moment for the team and the wider community, as the tournament once again reinforced its reputation as a vital platform for nurturing grassroots football talent in northern Ghana.

FKA/MA

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