By Dr. Godwin Orhadahwe
The Sheriff Oborevwori U-17 Unity Football Cup Competition for the Delta Central Senatorial District, powered by Arthur Ferdinand Limited, has reached its grand finale after months of exciting and competitive football. The grassroots championship which kicked off in August 2025, will climax on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Ekpan Police Station Football Field.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), former Super Eagles international striker, Edema Fuludu, the final match between Uvwie and Ughelli North will kick off at 2:00pm prompt. The third-place playoff between Ethiope East and Ethiope West is scheduled for 12 noon, earlier the same day.
The statement further disclosed that Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, top government officials, tournament sponsor, Chief Idama Amurun, officials of Arthur Ferdinand Limited, notable football administrators, members of the LOC, match officials, and football fans are expected to grace the closing ceremony. The event will be chaired by Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere, Director-General of the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency, WUEDA.
Preparations are now in top gear as the LOC and its sub-committees intensify efforts to ensure a successful grand finale. In the semi-final matches, Uvwie edged Ethiope West 1-0 on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the Ogor Technical College Football Field, Otor-Ogor. In the second semi-final played on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at the Ekpan Police Station Football Field, Ughelli North recorded a convincing 4-0 victory over Ethiope East. Both matches kicked off at 3:00pm each day.
According to the LOC, the final match will officially bring to a close a competition that has served as a vital platform for purposeful youth engagement, unity, job creation, and grassroots sports development in Delta State and Nigeria at large. The sponsor, Chief Idama Amurun has expanded the tournament to U-18 category of 16 teams including the 8 LGAs of Delta South, beginning any time soon.
Through this tournament, the sponsor has made a very significant investment in nurturing discipline, teamwork, and character development among young footballers, while also opening pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
The competition is designed, not merely as a contest for silverware, but as a launchpad for promising talents aspiring to careers in local and national leagues, as well as professional football abroad. With hard work, dedication, team work, and discipline, the LOC expressed optimism that football can unlock international opportunities for Delta State youths who participated in the championship.
The Adviser to the LOC, Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere, alongside the LOC Chairman, Edema Fuludu, commended the sponsor, Chief Idama Amurun, Managing Director of Arthur Ferdinand Limited, for his vision and unflinching commitment to youth development through sports. They also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for providing the enabling environment that made the competition a resounding success.
Media Unit, LOC
