By Andy Emephia
A 68th minute brace courtesy NO 7 jersey , Onyema, was what Ogbekenu quarters , 2024 finalists, needed, to lift the sixth edition of the 2025 Onicha-Olona Unity Football Cup Tournament , in a pulsating tension soaked final match which ended 3-2 against Ogbe-Obi quarters.
The energy sapping cup final match which held on Wednesday 31st December , 2025, at the capacity filled ultra modern Donald Ochei Stadium , Onicha-Olona , in Aniocha North local government area of Delta State, saw Ogbe-Obi quarters opening scores in the fifth minute of the match.
In the 20th minute of the thrilling encounter, Ogbekenu’s jersey NO 9 striker , Losie Nwabuwane, secured his side’s well deserved equalizer via a break to beat the advancing Ogbe-Obi goalkeeper .
The winners made it goal number two in the 30th minute of the game through Jersey NO 7 player Onyema but their joy was shortlived when, in the 42nd minute Ogbe-Obi landed a stunning equalizer through their jersey NO 5 central defender .
With “hostilities” ending two goals apiece in the first half , and the second half culminating in substitutions from both sides, alongside bookings and an eventual two yellow cards on an Ogbekenu player , the match went into a 10 to 11 players mode
As it seemed the god of soccer was on Ogbekenu’s side to compensate them for their 2024 cup final loss to Umuolo whom they humbled in the semi finals , the 68th minute brace from Ogbekenu,s Onyema in NO 7 jersey was the last on the score sheet and enough to give them the coveted trophy .
Runners up Ogbe-Obi received a trophy , medals and #2million prize money , while third placed Umuolo quarters , the tournament’s 2024 winners over Ogbekenu, received a trophy , medals and #1million prize money for beating Ishiekpe quarters by two goals to nil, in the third place match.
With a new innovation of female football added to the 2025 edition, Umuolo quarters emerged winners with a trophy and #500,000 prize money , followed by silver medalists Agba with #350,000 prize money , and Ogbekenu with #200,000 prize money respectively .
Other prizes awarded at the final medals and trophy presentation include a Most Valuable Player golden boot award with #200,000 cash prize, the best goalkeeper and best team of the tournament awards respectively , with #200,000 each to the recipients.
The Olona Unity Cup Tournament , an annual sporting event designed to discover talents and engender communal unity , is sponsored by Speaker emeritus of Delta State House of Assembly and current President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation ( NTF), Rt Hon ( Engr) Victor Onyekachi Ochei, MNSE, Esq, in conjunction with his Victor Ochei Foundation( VOF).
