The excitement is building across Nigeria’s maritime industry as defending champions, Comet Shipping Agencies Limited, prepare to open their title defence when the 2025 Ships & Ports Maritime Cup Competition kicks off on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

The eagerly awaited football tournament, now in its 16th year, will once again bring together top maritime and port sector organisations in a spirited display of teamwork, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.

Comet Shipping, who captured their maiden Maritime Cup title in 2024, will begin their campaign against Dangote Ports Operations in what promises to be an explosive opening fixture at the NIS Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos, at 3:00 p.m.

The champions, drawn in Group A, will have to navigate a tough field that includes Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL), 2010 winners Micura Stevedoring Services, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Group B, described by many as the most competitive in recent years, features the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), ENL Consortium, LTT Coastal & Marine Services Limited, and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Each of these teams has a strong tournament pedigree, setting the stage for a thrilling series of encounters.

According to the official fixtures released by the organisers, the competition will run from November 4 to November 26, 2025, with matches scheduled to hold at both the NIS Pitch, National Stadium, and the NPA Sports Ground in Surulere.

Following the opening match, other key early fixtures include NPA versus NIMASA at 9:00 a.m. on November 5, ABTL against Micura later that day, and ENL taking on LTT Coastal and Marine Services on November 6.

Speaking ahead of the kickoff, the Coordinator of the Maritime Cup, Oluwatosin Rotimi, said preparations have reached an advanced stage to ensure a smooth and exciting tournament.

“The Maritime Cup has grown over the years to become a key feature of the maritime industry calendar. This year, we are expecting a very competitive event with high standards of discipline, fair play, and professionalism. The enthusiasm among the participating teams is already very high, and we look forward to another successful edition,” she said.

Also commenting, the tournament’s Technical Adviser, Prince Adesegun Kosoko, praised the consistency and spirit of the participating teams, emphasising the importance of the event in promoting unity and healthy rivalry within the industry.

“The Maritime Cup is not just about football; it is about bringing the entire maritime community together in an atmosphere of friendship and collaboration. Every year, the level of play improves, and this year promises to be even more exciting. We have seen how Comet Shipping rose to the top last year, and every team now wants to write their own story,” Kosoko stated.

Since its inception in 2009, the Ships & Ports Maritime Cup has established itself as the leading sporting event within Nigeria’s maritime sector, fostering teamwork, fitness, and mutual respect among industry stakeholders.

Over the years, the competition has witnessed memorable rivalries, thrilling matches, and the emergence of football talents from within the ranks of maritime professionals.

With Comet Shipping eager to defend their hard-won crown and several formidable challengers ready to stake their claim, the 2025 edition promises to deliver another captivating chapter in the tournament’s rich history.

The Maritime Cup Trophy, sponsored this year by Micura Services Limited, will once again symbolise not just football excellence, but also the spirit of unity that defines Nigeria’s maritime family.