The 8th edition of the Zenith Bank Delta Principals’ Cup football competition for secondary schools has been officially unveiled in Asaba, with organisers promising an exciting and talent-packed season.
The press briefing, held at the Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat Conference Hall on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, brought together government officials, sponsors, organisers, principals, and members of the press to flag off one of Delta State’s biggest grassroots sports events.
Speaking at the briefing, Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, described the Principals’ Cup as more than just football.
“This competition is a tool for youth empowerment, discipline, teamwork, and character building,” she said. “It shows our commitment to education beyond the classroom, helping to raise well-rounded individuals with life skills that prepare them for the future.”
She praised Zenith Bank Plc for sponsoring the tournament for eight years in a row, calling their support a “beacon of hope” for young students.
The Commissioner highlighted some past participants who are now excelling in football abroad, including Ekemini Imen (playing in Denmark’s Division One), Okiki Vwegba and Okiki Oruese (both in Russia’s Division One), and Orido David and Suode Mark, currently thriving at Morak Football Academy in Warri.
“These stories prove that with the right opportunities, our students can compete and excel anywhere in the world,” Mrs. Ezewu said.
Representing Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ifeanyi Atama, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to youth and sports development.
“Our sponsorship goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It is a strategic investment in community development and in nurturing tomorrow’s leaders,” the bank said, noting that the Principals’ Cup has helped discover several young players who later represented Delta and Nigeria.
Also speaking, Mr. Tony Oritse Pemu, Chief Responsibility Officer of Hideaplus Nigeria Ltd, gave a historical overview of the competition, which started in October 2017 with the inauguration of a technical working committee.
“The Principals’ Cup has grown into one of the most anticipated grassroots sports initiatives in Delta State,” he said. “From just a vision in 2017, it has now produced champions year after year, with schools across the state etching their names in history.”
Past winners of the competition include Master Care International School, Asaba (2017), Marvel International School, Ughelli (2018), Obule Integrated School, Sapele (2019), College of Commerce, Warri (2020 and 2021), Umuaja Mixed Secondary School, Ukwuani (2022), Umutu Grammar School, Ukwuani (2023), and Ogbromo Secondary School, Uvwie (2024).
Pemu revealed that the 2025 edition will begin on September 18 and run until the finals on October 16, 2025.
“This year’s tournament comes with much fanfare and upgraded quality in terms of match officiating, discipline, and professionalism,” he said. “The aim is not just to play football but to discover and nurture hidden talents who can compete internationally.”
According to him, over 1,000 public and private secondary schools showed interest in the competition during its early editions, and the numbers have continued to grow.
He added that wide media coverage has been planned to give the competition strong visibility, while fixtures for the 8th edition would be unveiled at the briefing.
Organisers assured that the Local Organising Committee is fully prepared to deliver a successful, hitch-free competition.
With strong backing from the Delta State Government, Zenith Bank, Hideaplus Nigeria Ltd, and school authorities, the 2025 Principals’ Cup is expected to be another thrilling showcase of young football talent from Delta State.
