By Jude Opara, Abuja
The city of Warri, Delta state will be agog as the maiden edition of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori U-17 Unity Cup is set to kick off August 3, 2025.
The tournament sponsored by a Warri based business business mogul, Chief Amurun Idama aims to foster unity among the eight local government areas (LGAs) that make up the Delta Central Senatorial District, just as it will serve as a platform to identify and nurture young football talents that abound in the area.
Chief Idama, Chairman of Arthur Ferdinand Limited, while addressing stakeholders on Monday said the grassroots tournament will follow a round-robin format, with all eight LGAs participating.
“The Sheriff Oborevwori U-17 Unity Cup is designed to bring together the youth of Delta Central through sports and provide a fertile ground for discovering future stars,” he said.
The tournament’s inauguration and draws were held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Kariot Hotel and Suites, Warri. At the event, Chief Idama inaugurated a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) made up of 15 principal members and 16 sub-committee members to oversee the tournament’s smooth execution.
The inauguration ceremony attracted notable dignitaries including Chief Godwin Ejiyere, Director General of the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency; past and present Delta State Football Association Chairmen; local football council chairmen; and head coaches from the participating LGAs.
In a generous move, Chief Idama provided complete kits to all LOC members, including jerseys, face caps, and footwear. Participating teams also received full kits, while various incentives and prizes have been set aside to motivate players and officials.
The mouthwatering takeaways include: Appearance Fee: ₦1 million each for the eight participating LGAs; full kits for all head coaches, assistants, and secretaries, including jerseys, canvas, tracksuits.
Also the two finalists will receive additional jerseys and football boots, the semi-finalists will get additional kits and ₦1 million each.
The cash prizes are: 1st place team goes home with ₦5 million, gold trophy & gold medals. The 2nd place team gets ₦3 million, a silver trophy & silver medals.
The 3rd place team will receive the sum of ₦2 million and bronze medals while the 4th place team pockets a consolatory sum of ₦1 million.
According to the tournament schedule, the opening match will take place at the Ekpan Police Station Football Field on August 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM, featuring Ethiope East vs Ughelli North. Matches will be played every weekend at designated venues across the Delta Central Zone.
The LOC is chaired by former Nigeria international Mr. Edema Fuludu (MON). Mr. Victor Odairi, Chairman of the Uvwie Football Council, serves as Vice Chairman and Head of Technical, while Mr. Peter Ospiro is the Committee Secretary.
