By Andy Emephia.
The 2025 version of the Onicha Olona Unity Football Tournament , proudly sponsored by the Victor Ochei Foundation, has commenced with a dramatic comeback by Ogbe-Obi quarters who were one goal down as early as the ninth minute of the first half , against Idumuje Olona quarters .
In the opening match which took place at the ultra modern Donald Ochei Stadium, Onicha-Olona , in Aniocha North local government area on Monday 22nd December , 2025, Jersey NO 9 for Idumuje quarters, Louis Eze, opened the scores in the ninth minute of the first half, with a superb strike that sent enthusiastic fans at the capacity filled stadium , erupting in jubilation.
The highly entertaining opening cracker which saw both teams making incursions into each others vital territory , revealed the burgeoning display of natural talent by the promising players from both teams to the utmost delight of the enthusiastic fans made up of mostly youths from the six participating quarters of the communityThe resilient Idumuje team held on tenaciously to their one goal lead until towards the end of the first half , when number 15 jersey for Ogbe-Obi, “Jato Junior , struck the woodwork to equalize for his side.
The second half of the energy sapping opening match of the Olona Unity Cup 2025, commenced with both teams trying to make dangerous incursions into their respective territories but they couldn’t utilize the opportunities due to the gallant efforts of their defence line ups and breath taking spectacular saves of their goalkeepers.
In-form number 15 Jersey , Jato Junior , made it a brace towards the 75th minute of the match to bring Ogbe-Obi into reckoning for the three points at stake for the winning team .
With the final blast of the referee,s whistle , Ogbe-Obi quarters are now on top of the league table with three points as at Monday 22nd December , 2025 being match day one.
The Six quarters of Onicha-Olona, Ogbekenu, Agba, Umuolo ( defending champions), Ogbe-Obi, Ishiekpe, and Idumuje Olona, are vying for the coveted winners trophy and mouth watering prize money .
