Ten teams from across Nigeria’s maritime industry will compete for pride and supremacy as the 2025 Maritime Cup Tournament kicks off in Lagos from 4th to 26th November 2025.
The much-anticipated event, now in its 15th edition, brings together government agencies and private sector operators in a friendly but fiercely contested football competition that celebrates unity and teamwork within the maritime community.
Defending champions Comet Shipping will begin their title defence on 4th November in Group A.
Organised by Ships & Ports Communication Company, the country’s leading maritime media and public relations firms, the Maritime Cup has become an enduring tradition that strengthens professional bonds and promotes a sense of camaraderie among maritime stakeholders.
Since its inception in 2009, the tournament has produced several champions who have written their names in maritime football history.
The Nigerian Navy lifted the maiden title in 2009, followed by Micura Stevedoring Services in 2010. The Nigeria Customs Service dominated the early years, winning in 2011, 2012, 2013, and again in 2016 and 2017.
Other winners include the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in 2014, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) in 2015, the Nigerian Ports Authority in 2018 as well as in 2022 and 2023, and ENL Consortium in 2019, before Comet Shipping Agencies claimed the trophy in 2024.
The 2025 edition will feature ten formidable teams drawn from both the public and private sectors, including Comet Shipping, Dangote Port Operation, Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL), Micura Services Limited, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Group A while the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), ENL Consortium, LTT Marine, and Nigeria Customs Service will battle for glory in Group B.
Matches will be officiated by FIFA badge referees from the Lagos State Referees Council, ensuring professionalism and fairness throughout the competition.
Speaking at the draws held at the NPA Club House, the Head of the Technical Committee, Prince Adesegun Kosoko, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a well-organised and transparent tournament, adding that new rules have been introduced to enhance fair play.
The tournament’s coordinator, Tosin Rotimi, welcomed the participating teams and encouraged them to give their best effort, noting that the true spirit of the Maritime Cup lies in promoting teamwork, friendship and unity rather than mere victory.
Representing Micura Services Limited, Edmund Okoro commended the organisers for sustaining the event over the years and called for integrity in player selection, warning against the use of non-staff players, often referred to as “mercenaries”.
“Football is a game of joy,” he said. “Let us play fairly and use our workers to keep the competition authentic.”
As the 2025 Maritime Cup begins on November 4, excitement and anticipation are high across the industry.
With pride, prestige, and a long-standing legacy on the line, this year’s tournament promises to deliver exhilarating football, renewed friendship, and a celebration of the values that bind Nigeria’s maritime community together.