According to a report by the official Facebook page of TVC News on Monday, October 26, 2026, former Inter Milan and Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins has launched the Renewed Hope Football Tournament — PBAT-KOH 2027 — to empower Nigerian youths.

The initiative aims to support grassroots football while providing mentorship and skills training for young people across the country.

Organizers say the tournament will identify promising talent and create pathways for participants to develop both on and off the pitch.

“Renewed Hope is about more than goals and trophies,” Martins said in a statement shared by the organisers. “We want to teach discipline, teamwork and leadership, and to give young people the tools to build careers whether in football or other fields.”The PBAT-KOH 2027 will prioritise grassroots participation, inviting teams from local communities to compete and showcase their abilities.

Beyond matches, the programme will run mentorship sessions led by coaches and former players, as well as workshops on career planning and vocational skills.

For example, a pilot session held earlier this year in Lagos reportedly combined technical coaching with lessons on time management and small-business basics, helping participants see alternatives to full-time sport while improving their prospects.

Organisers emphasise the tournament’s wider social goals of using sport to promote community development, national unity and youth empowerment.

They say the event will also strengthen talent identification systems by giving scouts and academies access to a wider pool of players.

Martins, who maintained close ties to Nigerian football after his professional career, is expected to inspire many young athletes through his hands-on involvement.

The tournament aligns with broader efforts by stakeholders to leverage football as a platform for discovery, skills development and economic opportunity.