The 3rd edition of the Ofugara Peace and Unity Football Tournament has kicked off with a grand draw ceremony at the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Ekpan, Warri, Delta State. This year’s tournament features 24 veteran All-Star teams from Delta Central Senatorial District, divided into six groups of four. The competition, exclusive to players aged 43 and above, promises weeks of exciting matches, with a staggering ₦25 million up for grabs.
This year’s edition, designed exclusively for players aged 43 and above, has attracted a record 24 veteran All-Star sides drawn from across Delta Central Senatorial District. The teams have been spread across six groups of four, setting the stage for weeks of thrilling action on the turf.
The highlight of the draws was the confirmation of an opening-day showdown between defending champions Corner-Lux All Stars and Delta All Stars International Veterans in Group A. The clash, scheduled for the iconic Ogbe Primary School Football Pitch, Effurun, promises to be a test of pedigree as both sides parade former league stars and battle-hardened veterans.
Other fixtures from the draws include Uvwie All Stars taking on Ubeji All Stars in Group B, Uvwie Ex-Players against Okpe All Stars, Ugbokodo in Group C, Sapele All Stars clashing with Okpe All Stars, Osubi in Group D, Ekpan All Stars squaring up against Ighogbadu in Group E and Udu ex professional versus Enerhen All Stars in Group F.
Each group fixture is expected to rekindle old rivalries and bring colour to communities across Delta Central.
A record prize money of ₦25 million has been announced, making it the richest veterans’ football competition in Delta State.
The winners will walk away with ₦10 million, runners-up will take ₦7 million, third place will earn ₦5 million, while fourth place will settle for ₦3 million.
In addition, individual awards will be contested, including the Golden Boot for top scorer, Golden Gloves for best goalkeeper, Best Midfielder, and the Most Valuable Player award.
Delivering the keynote, Mr. Silver Ofugara, who spoke on behalf of the sponsoring family, said the tournament has become more than just football but a genuine platform for brotherhood.
He stressed that peace and unity were not only to be pursued on the field but in every community, home, and relationship across Delta State.
He also noted that the steady growth of the competition in just three editions showed the hunger among ex-players to stay connected to the sport they love while giving younger generations a lesson in discipline, togetherness, and sportsmanship.
In her remarks, Mrs. Daicy Jaja, Head of Administration Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the major partner of the competition, described the project as a noble investment in both sport and social cohesion. She said Tantita’s support was anchored on the belief that football has a rare power to unite communities that are otherwise divided along ethnic or political lines. She urged the players to treat every game not only as a contest for prize money but as an opportunity to spread the message of peace and to remain role models to the younger footballers watching from the stands.
Mr. Davison Efetoboh, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, announced that every logistical detail had been perfected to deliver a world-class, World Cup–styled tournament.
He assured teams of quality officiating, proper scheduling, and venues prepared to give both players and fans a thrilling match-day atmosphere.
He also called on football lovers across Delta to come out in their numbers and give their support from the group stages all the way to the final whistle.
Adding glamour to the event were two former Super Eagles internationals, Richard Eromoigbe and Azubuike Egwueke, who were unveiled as the tournament icons for the 3rd edition as they both jointly conducted the draws and lent credibility to the exercise.
Their presence reminded fans of Nigeria’s rich football heritage and inspired the veterans taking part in this edition.
Also present was another ex super Eagles player, Mr. Edema Fuludu, former Chairman of the Delta State Football Association, who commended both the Ofugara family and Tantita Security for their investment in grassroots and veterans’ football.
He encouraged other individuals and corporate organisations to emulate such gestures in order to make Delta a hub for sporting excellence.
The 3rd edition of the Ofugara Peace and Unity Cup officially kicks off on October 1st, 2025, and will climax in the third week of November. With bumper prize money, star-studded veteran squads, and a strong message of peace, this year’s competition is set to deliver not only football drama but also a social impact that resonates far beyond the pitch.
