Gathering on 100: Cody FC shine in record-breaking football tournament at historic 100-hour youth festival

Cody FC emerged as the standout side at The Gathering on 100, clinching the title in a five-a-side tournament that saw 60 teams battle across 87 matches in five days at the National Stadium, Surulere, Soccernet.ng reports.

The champions walked away with a ₦1 million prize, capping a dominant run that also delivered the tournament’s top scorer—who netted 18 goals in five days—and the Most Valuable Player, who registered multiple goals alongside 12 assists. A football academy, Addo FA, secured third place.

The five-day event blended football with entertainment in a non-stop 100-hour experience that brought together thousands of young Nigerians.

The Gathering on 100: 60 teams, 87 matches explained

Speaking to Soccernet.ng on the structure of the tournament, event collaborator Shola Rogers explained that the format was designed to match the scale of the festival.

“We had 60 teams in total. The event kicked off at exactly 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and from there, games ran continuously through Thursday, Friday, and Saturday,” Rogers said.
“We played 87 matches overall. The five-a-side format allowed us to manage the games effectively alongside other activities happening at the venue.”

Unlike conventional competitions, matches flowed into all-night activities, including music, gaming, fashion showcases, and creative sessions—sustaining the event’s 100-hour momentum.

The Gathering on 100 is the fire – Karl Toriola

MTN Nigeria backed the initiative through a partnership model that positioned the brand as an enabler rather than the focal point of the experience.

Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola said the event reflected the energy of Nigerian youth.

“The energy we have witnessed here in Surulere over the past 100 hours is proof of the unstoppable spirit of the Nigerian youth. The Gathering is the fire; MTN is the oxygen. ‘Live It 100’ is our commitment to powering the platform where the conversation happens.”

Chief Marketing Officer Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka noted that the initiative is a shift in how organisations engage with young Nigerians.

“The ideas and partnerships formed over these 100 hours show what happens when corporate Nigeria truly listens. We are not just celebrating culture; we are investing in youth-led innovation and economic potential,” she said.

Organisers confirmed that the event, held from April 22 to 26, 2026, will expand in future editions as it continues to grow into a major platform for youth expression and opportunity.