Free Entry Announced for Youth Festival Matches in Togo
By BBC Africa Sport
Lomé – May 3, 2025
Organisers of the inaugural Youth Festival, held as part of Togo’s 54th Independence Day celebrations, have announced that entry will be free for all first-round matches of the President’s Cup tournament.
The competition, hosted at Lomé’s Municipal Stadium, brings together U17 teams from six West African nations: Benin, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and hosts Togo. It aims to promote regional football development and celebrate youth engagement through sport.
In a statement released by the organising committee, the decision to offer free access during the group stage is intended to “allow the entire sporting public to gauge the level of the cadet teams” from the participating countries. The gesture is expected to encourage strong local turnout and support for the young talents on display.
However, from the semi-final stage onwards, fans will need to pay an entry fee to attend the matches. Organisers say this is to help cover logistical costs as the tournament progresses and more spectators are expected.
The tournament will kick off on Saturday following an official opening ceremony. Togo will face Benin in the opening match, setting the stage for a spirited contest between regional rivals. The second match of the day features Niger against Nigeria, two teams with a strong youth football tradition.
The President’s Cup is expected to serve as a platform for identifying emerging talents and fostering greater football cooperation across the West African sub-region.
